No-cartridge and spent cartridge lockout arrangements for surgical staplers

ABSTRACT

A surgical end effector. A first jaw is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge. A lockout system is supported within the end effector and is biased laterally into lateral retaining engagement with a firing member when the firing member is in a starting position to thereby retain the firing member in the starting position. The lockout system is configured to be laterally biased out of lateral retaining engagement when contacted by a cam assembly of a surgical staple cartridge that is seated within the first jaw and the cam assembly is in the unfired position.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in variousarrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staplecartridges for use therewith that are designed to staple and cut tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together withadvantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings asfollows:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a surgical system comprising ahandle assembly and multiple interchangeable surgical tool assembliesthat may be used therewith;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the interchangeable surgical toolassemblies of FIG. 1 operably coupled to the handle assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of portions of the handle assemblyand interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another one of the interchangeablesurgical tool assemblies depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly of FIGS. 4-6;

FIG. 7A is an enlarged top view of a portion of an elastic spineassembly of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is another exploded assembly view of a portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 4-7;

FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional perspective view of a surgical endeffector portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS.4-8;

FIG. 10 is an exploded assembly view of the surgical end effectorportion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly depicted in FIG.9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view, a side elevational view and a frontelevational view of a firing member embodiment that may be employed inthe interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an anvil that may be employed in theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the anvil of FIG.12;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the anvil of FIGS. 12 and 13;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a portion of asurgical end effector and shaft portion of the interchangeable surgicaltool assembly of FIG. 4 with an unspent or unfired surgical staplecartridge properly seated with an elongate channel of the surgical endeffector;

FIG. 16 is another cross-sectional side elevational view of the surgicalend effector and shaft portion of FIG. 15 after the surgical staplecartridge has been at least partially fired and a firing member thereofis being retracted to a starting position;

FIG. 17 is another cross-sectional side elevational view of the surgicalend effector and shaft portion of FIG. 16 after the firing member hasbeen fully retracted back to the starting position;

FIG. 18 is a top cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector andshaft portion depicted in FIG. 15 with the unspent or unfired surgicalstaple cartridge properly seated with the elongate channel of thesurgical end effector;

FIG. 19 is another top cross-sectional view of the surgical end effectorof FIG. 18 with a surgical staple cartridge mounted therein that hasbeen at least partially fired and illustrates the firing member retainedin a locked position;

FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of portions of the anvil andelongate channel of the interchangeable tool assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 21 is an exploded side elevational view of portions of the anviland elongate channel of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of an anvil mounting portion of ananvil embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of an anvil mounting portion ofanother anvil embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of an anvil mounting portion ofanother anvil embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an anvil embodiment;

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional end view of the anvil of FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another anvil embodiment;

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil embodiment of FIG.28;

FIG. 30 is a top view of a distal end portion of an anvil body portionof the anvil of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a top view of a distal end portion of an anvil body portionof another anvil embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional end perspective view of the anvil of FIG.31;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional end perspective view of another anvilembodiment;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a closure member embodiment comprisinga distal closure tube segment;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the closure memberembodiment of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a partial cross-sectional view of an interchangeable surgicaltool assembly embodiment showing a position of an anvil mounting portionof an anvil in a fully closed position and a firing member thereof in astarting position;

FIG. 37 is another partial cross-sectional view of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly of FIG. 36 at the commencement of an openingprocess;

FIG. 38 is another partial cross-sectional view of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly of FIG. 37 with the anvil in the fully openedposition;

FIG. 39 is a side elevational view of a portion of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly of FIG. 36;

FIG. 40 is a side elevational view of a portion of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly of FIG. 37;

FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of a portion of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly of FIG. 38;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of another closuremember embodiment;

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional end view of the closure member of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional end view of another closure memberembodiment;

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional end view of another closure memberembodiment;

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional end view of another closure memberembodiment;

FIG. 47 is a partial cross-sectional view of portions of a surgical endeffector of an interchangeable tool assembly illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 48 is a partial cross-sectional view of portions of a surgical endeffector of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 49 is another cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector ofFIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a partial perspective view of a portion of an underside of ananvil embodiment;

FIG. 51 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 5 with an anvil of asurgical end effector thereof in a fully opened position;

FIG. 52 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 51 with the anvil of thesurgical end effector thereof in a first closed position;

FIG. 53 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 51 at the commencement ofthe firing process wherein the anvil is in the first closed position anda firing member of the surgical end effector thereof has moved distallyout of a starting position;

FIG. 54 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 51 wherein the anvil isin a second closed position and the firing member has been distallyadvanced into a surgical staple cartridge of the surgical end effectorthereof;

FIG. 55 is a graphical comparison of firing energy versus time fordifferent interchangeable surgical tool assemblies; and

FIG. 56 is a graphical depiction of force to fire improvements andcomparisons of firing loads verses the percentage of firing distancethat the firing member thereof has traveled for four differentinterchangeable surgical tool assemblies.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,185, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,230, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,221, entitled LOCKOUTARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,209, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,198, entitled LOCKOUTARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES;and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,240, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,939, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGESAND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,941, entitled SURGICAL TOOLASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURESYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION ANDFIRING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,943, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,950, entitled SURGICAL TOOLASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,945, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGESAND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,946, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,951, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENINGDISTANCE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,953, entitled METHODS OFSTAPLING TISSUE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,954, entitled FIRING MEMBERSWITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,955, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,948, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,956, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,958, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEMACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,947, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGESAND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,896, entitled METHOD FORRESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,898, entitled STAPLE FORMINGPOCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,899, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,901, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGEAND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,902, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,904, entitled STAPLE FIRINGMEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,905, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING A LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,907, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRINGASSEMBLY LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,908, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING A FUSE; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,909, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,920, entitled STAPLE FORMINGPOCKET ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,913, entitled ANVIL ARRANGEMENTSFOR SURGICAL STAPLERS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914, entitled METHOD OFDEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THESAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,893, entitled BILATERALLYASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,929, entitled CLOSURE MEMBERSWITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE ANDDISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled SURGICAL STAPLERSWITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,927, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,917, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGECOMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,900, entitled STAPLE FORMINGPOCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,915, entitled FIRING MEMBER PINANGLE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,897, entitled STAPLE FORMINGPOCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,922, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,924, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,912, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED AXIS AND INCLUDESEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,910, entitled ANVIL HAVING AKNIFE SLOT WIDTH;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,903, entitled CLOSURE MEMBERARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,906, entitled FIRING MEMBER PINCONFIGURATIONS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,188, entitled STEPPED STAPLECARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,192, entitled STEPPED STAPLECARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15,386,206, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGEWITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,226, entitled DURABILITYFEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,222, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,236, entitled CONNECTIONPORTIONS FOR DISPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,887, entitled METHOD FORATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY,TO A SURGICAL ROBOT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,889, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH AMOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,890, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,891, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRINGMEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,892, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEMCOMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION STATE TOARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,894, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING A LOCKOUT; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,895, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLYCOMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,916, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,918, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,919, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,921, entitled SURGICAL STAPLECARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRINGMEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,923, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,925, entitled JAW ACTUATED LOCKARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICALEND EFFECTOR UNLESS AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE ENDEFFECTOR;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,926, entitled AXIALLY MOVABLECLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OFSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,928, entitled PROTECTIVE COVERARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAW AND ACTUATORSHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,930, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING ANDCLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,932, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,933, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF ANARTICULATION LOCK;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,934, entitled ARTICULATION LOCKARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION INRESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,935, entitled LATERALLYACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OFA SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,936, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,775, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGECOMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,807, entitled STAPLING SYSTEMFOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,834, entitled STAMPED STAPLESAND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,788, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGECOMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,818, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGECOMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,218, entitled SURGICALFASTENER;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,227, entitled SURGICALFASTENER;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,259, entitled SURGICALFASTENER CARTRIDGE; and

U.S. Design Patent application Ser. No. 29/569,264, entitled SURGICALFASTENER CARTRIDGE.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 1, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325, entitled METHOD FOROPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321, entitled MODULAR SURGICALSTAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,326, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,263, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,262, entitled ROTARY POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277, entitled SURGICAL CUTTINGAND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,296, entitled INTERCHANGEABLESURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELYROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,258, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,210, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,324, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,339, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,253, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENTHEIGHTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,331, entitled ANVIL MODIFICATIONMEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,336, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGESWITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,312, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,309, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,349, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. PatentApplications identified below which were filed on Dec. 31, 2015 whichare each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,488, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,525, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. PatentApplications identified below which were filed on Feb. 9, 2016 which areeach herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,206, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVETO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATIONSYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. PatentApplications identified below which were filed on Feb. 12, 2016 whichare each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,254, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,259, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,275, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Jun. 18, 2015 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914, entitled MOVABLE FIRINGBEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTERFIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885, entitled DUAL ARTICULATIONDRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876, entitled PUSH/PULLARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 6, 2015 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,746, entitled POWERED SURGICALINSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256184;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795, entitled MULTIPLE LEVELTHRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/02561185;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832, entitled ADAPTIVE TISSUECOMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUETYPES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256154;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935, entitled OVERLAID MULTISENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUECOMPRESSION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256071;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,831, entitled MONITORING SPEEDCONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED SURGICALINSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256153;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859, entitled TIME DEPENDENTEVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, ANDVISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0256187;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,817, entitled INTERACTIVEFEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0256186;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844, entitled CONTROL TECHNIQUESAND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROLPROCESSING FROM HANDLE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0256155;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837, entitled SMART SENSORS WITHLOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0256163;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765, entitled SYSTEM FORDETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICALSTAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256160;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND POWERCOMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0256162; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0256161.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Feb. 27, 2015, and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0249919;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUSCONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICALAPPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0249915;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,560, entitled SURGICAL CHARGINGSYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249910;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,566, entitled CHARGING SYSTEMTHAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249918;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555, entitled SYSTEM FORMONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249916;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542, entitled REINFORCED BATTERYFOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0249908;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548, entitled POWER ADAPTER FORA SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0249909;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,526, entitled ADAPTABLE SURGICALINSTRUMENT HANDLE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0249945;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,541, entitled MODULAR STAPLINGASSEMBLY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249927; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUSCONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0249917.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Dec. 18, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANSFOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0174977;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0174969;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,139, entitled DRIVE ARRANGEMENTSFOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0174978;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,148, entitled LOCKINGARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICALEND EFFECTORS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174976;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,130, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETENON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0174972;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,143, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0174983;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAMSUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0174975;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAMSUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0174973;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174970; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,500, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174971.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 1, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION,now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323, entitled ROTARY POWEREDARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0246472;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338, entitled THUMBWHEEL SWITCHARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0249557;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,499, entitled ELECTROMECHANICALSURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT, now U.S. Pat. No.9,358,003;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460, entitled MULTIPLE PROCESSORMOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0246478;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358, entitled JOYSTICK SWITCHASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,326,767;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481, entitled SENSORSTRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,468,438;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518, entitled CONTROL METHODSFOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375, entitled ROTARY POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM, now U.S. Pat. No.9,398,911; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,986.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263542;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193, entitled CONTROLARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,332,987;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053, entitled INTERCHANGEABLESHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263564;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263541;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210, entitled SENSORARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263538;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148, entitled MULTI-FUNCTIONMOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2014/0263554;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066, entitled DRIVE SYSTEMLOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263565;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117, entitled ARTICULATIONCONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.9,351,726;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130, entitled DRIVE TRAINCONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.9,351,727; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEMFOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0277017.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplication that was filed on Mar. 7, 2014 and is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111, entitled CONTROL SYSTEMSFOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2014/0263539.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 26, 2014 and are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106, entitled POWER MANAGEMENTCONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272582;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,099, entitled STERILIZATIONVERIFICATION CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2015/0272581;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094, entitled VERIFICATION OFNUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272580;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117, entitled POWER MANAGEMENTTHROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272574;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075, entitled MODULAR POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2015/0272579;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093, entitled FEEDBACKALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272569;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272571;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,071, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2015/0272578;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,097, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272570;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126, entitled INTERFACE SYSTEMSFOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272572;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133, entitled MODULAR SURGICALINSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2015/0272557;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,081, entitled SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0277471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076, entitled POWER MANAGEMENTTHROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280424;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2015/0272583; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0280384.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Sep. 5, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,103, entitled CIRCUITRY ANDSENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0066912;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,119, entitled ADJUNCT WITHINTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0066914;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908, entitled MONITORING DEVICEDEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0066910;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895, entitled MULTIPLE SENSORSWITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR′S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION,now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066909;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110, entitled POLARITY OF HALLMAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0066915;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,098, entitled SMART CARTRIDGEWAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0066911;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115, entitled MULTIPLE MOTORCONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0066916; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,108, entitled LOCAL DISPLAY OFTISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION, now U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2016/0066913.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 9, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590, entitled MOTOR DRIVENSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0305987;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROMTHE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2014/0305989;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THESURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2014/0305988;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588, entitled POWERED LINEARSURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2014/0309666;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591, entitled TRANSMISSIONARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0305991;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584, entitled MODULAR MOTORDRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARYDRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0305994;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,587, entitled POWERED SURGICALSTAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309665;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586, entitled DRIVE SYSTEMDECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0305990; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,607, entitled MODULAR MOTORDRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS, nowU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305992.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 16, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/812,365, entitledSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,376, entitled LINEARCUTTER WITH POWER;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,382, entitled LINEARCUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,385, entitledSURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTORCONTROL; and

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,372, entitledSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and useof the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated inthe accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, andelements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure theembodiments described in the specification. The reader will understandthat the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limitingexamples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structuraland functional details disclosed herein may be representative andillustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the claims.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and“comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and“having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and“including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains”and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgicalsystem, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or“contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements,but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements.Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,”“has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those oneor more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one ormore features.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to aclinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument.The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician andthe term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician.It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity,spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may beused herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instrumentsare used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are notintended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performinglaparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, thereader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devicesdisclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures andapplications including, for example, in connection with open surgicalprocedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the readerwill further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed hereincan be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a naturalorifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. Theworking portions or end effector portions of the instruments can beinserted directly into a patient's body or can be inserted through anaccess device that has a working channel through which the end effectorand elongate shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

A surgical stapling system can comprise a shaft and an end effectorextending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and asecond jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staplecartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however,other embodiments are envisioned in which a staple cartridge is notremovable from, or at least readily replaceable from, the first jaw. Thesecond jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected fromthe staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the firstjaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned inwhich the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. Thesurgical stapling system further comprises an articulation jointconfigured to permit the end effector to be rotated, or articulated,relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about anarticulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Otherembodiments are envisioned which do not include an articulation joint.

The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge bodyincludes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between theproximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge ispositioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil ispositioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward thestaple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck.Thereafter, staples removably stored in the cartridge body can bedeployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavitiesdefined therein wherein staples are removably stored in the staplecavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows.Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of alongitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on asecond side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staplecavities and staples may be possible.

The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. Thedrivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a second,or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. Thedrivers are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer which extendsaround the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient membersconfigured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer to thecartridge body. The drivers are movable between their unfired positionsand their fired positions by a sled. The sled is movable between aproximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal positionadjacent the distal end. The sled comprises a plurality of rampedsurfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, andthe staples supported thereon, toward the anvil.

Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing member. Thefiring member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled towardthe distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body isconfigured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slotconfigured to receive the firing member. The firing member furthercomprises a first cam which engages the first jaw and a second cam whichengages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, thefirst cam and the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap,between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firingmember also comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue capturedintermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for theknife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the rampedsurfaces such that the staples are ejected ahead of the knife.

FIG. 1 depicts a motor-driven surgical system 10 that may be used toperform a variety of different surgical procedures. As can be seen inthat Figure, one example of the surgical system 10 includes fourinterchangeable surgical tool assemblies 100, 200, 300 and 1000 that areeach adapted for interchangeable use with a handle assembly 500. Eachinterchangeable surgical tool assembly 100, 200, 300 and 1000 may bedesigned for use in connection with the performance of one or morespecific surgical procedures. In another surgical system embodiment, theinterchangeable surgical tool assemblies may be effectively employedwith a tool drive assembly of a robotically controlled or automatedsurgical system. For example, the surgical tool assemblies disclosedherein may be employed with various robotic systems, instruments,components and methods such as, but not limited to, those disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITHROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, which is hereby incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety.

FIG. 2 illustrates one form of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly100 that is operably coupled to the handle assembly 500. FIG. 3illustrates attachment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100to the handle assembly 500. The attachment arrangement and processdepicted in FIG. 3 may also be employed in connection with attachment ofany of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 100, 200, 300 and1000 to a tool drive portion or tool drive housing of a robotic system.The handle assembly 500 may comprise a handle housing 502 that includesa pistol grip portion 504 that can be gripped and manipulated by theclinician. As will be briefly discussed below, the handle assembly 500operably supports a plurality of drive systems that are configured togenerate and apply various control motions to corresponding portions ofthe interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100, 200, 300 and/or 1000that is operably attached thereto.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the handle assembly 500 may further include aframe 506 that operably supports the plurality of drive systems. Forexample, the frame 506 can operably support a “first” or closure drivesystem, generally designated as 510, which may be employed to applyclosing and opening motions to the interchangeable surgical toolassembly 100, 200, 300 and 1000 that is operably attached or coupled tothe handle assembly 500. In at least one form, the closure drive system510 may include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 512 that ispivotally supported by the frame 506. Such arrangement enables theclosure trigger 512 to be manipulated by a clinician such that when theclinician grips the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500,the closure trigger 512 may be easily pivoted from a starting or“unactuated” position to an “actuated” position and more particularly toa fully compressed or fully actuated position. In various forms, theclosure drive system 510 further includes a closure linkage assembly 514that is pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 512 or otherwiseoperably interfaces therewith. As will be discussed in further detailbelow, in the illustrated example, the closure linkage assembly 514includes a transverse attachment pin 516 that facilitates attachment toa corresponding drive system on the surgical tool assembly. In use, toactuate the closure drive system, the clinician depresses the closuretrigger 512 towards the pistol grip portion 504. As described in furtherdetail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,142, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272575, which is hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety herein, when the clinician fully depresses the closuretrigger 512 to attain the full closure stroke, the closure drive systemis configured to lock the closure trigger 512 into the fully depressedor fully actuated position. When the clinician desires to unlock theclosure trigger 512 to permit it to be biased to the unactuatedposition, the clinician simply activates a closure release buttonassembly 518 which enables the closure trigger to return to unactuatedposition. The closure release button 518 may also be configured tointeract with various sensors that communicate with a microcontroller520 in the handle assembly 500 for tracking the position of the closuretrigger 512. Further details concerning the configuration and operationof the closure release button assembly 518 may be found in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2015/0272575.

In at least one form, the handle assembly 500 and the frame 506 mayoperably support another drive system referred to herein as a firingdrive system 530 that is configured to apply firing motions tocorresponding portions of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblythat is attached thereto. As was described in detail in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2015/0272575, the firing drive system 530may employ an electric motor (not shown in FIGS. 1-3) that is located inthe pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500. In variousforms, the motor may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximumrotation of, approximately, 25,000 RPM, for example. In otherarrangements, the motor may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor,a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electricmotor. The motor may be powered by a power source 522 that in one formmay comprise a removable power pack. The power pack may support aplurality of Lithium Ion (“LI”) or other suitable batteries therein. Anumber of batteries may be connected in series may be used as the powersource 522 for the surgical system 10. In addition, the power source 522may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

The electric motor is configured to axially drive a longitudinallymovable drive member 540 in a distal and proximal directions dependingupon the polarity of the motor. For example, when the motor is driven inone rotary direction, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 thewill be axially driven in the distal direction “DD”. When the motor isdriven in the opposite rotary direction, the longitudinally movabledrive member 540 will be axially driven in a proximal direction “PD”.The handle assembly 500 can include a switch 513 which can be configuredto reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor by the powersource 522 or otherwise control the motor. The handle assembly 500 canalso include a sensor or sensors (not shown) that is configured todetect the position of the drive member 540 and/or the direction inwhich the drive member 540 is being moved. Actuation of the motor can becontrolled by a firing trigger 532 (FIG. 1) that is pivotally supportedon the handle assembly 500. The firing trigger 532 may be pivotedbetween an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firingtrigger 532 may be biased into the unactuated position by a spring orother biasing arrangement such that when the clinician releases thefiring trigger 532, it may be pivoted or otherwise returned to theunactuated position by the spring or biasing arrangement. In at leastone form, the firing trigger 532 can be positioned “outboard” of theclosure trigger 512 as was discussed above. As discussed in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2015/0272575, the handle assembly 500 may beequipped with a firing trigger safety button (not shown) to preventinadvertent actuation of the firing trigger 532. When the closuretrigger 512 is in the unactuated position, the safety button iscontained in the handle assembly 500 where the clinician cannot readilyaccess it and move it between a safety position preventing actuation ofthe firing trigger 532 and a firing position wherein the firing trigger532 may be fired. As the clinician depresses the closure trigger 512,the safety button and the firing trigger 532 pivot down wherein they canthen be manipulated by the clinician.

In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 mayhave a rack of teeth (not shown) formed thereon for meshing engagementwith a corresponding drive gear arrangement (not shown) that interfaceswith the motor. Further details regarding those features may be found inU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575. At least one formalso includes a manually-actuatable “bailout” assembly that isconfigured to enable the clinician to manually retract thelongitudinally movable drive member 540 should the motor becomedisabled. The bailout assembly may include a lever or bailout handleassembly that is stored within the handle assembly 500 under areleasable door 550. The lever is configured to be manually pivoted intoratcheting engagement with the teeth in the drive member 540. Thus, theclinician can manually retract the drive member 540 by using the bailouthandle assembly to ratchet the drive member 5400 in the proximaldirection “PD”. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitledPOWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLYRETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein disclosesbailout arrangements and other components, arrangements and systems thatmay also be employed with the various surgical tool assemblies disclosedherein.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100includes a surgical end effector 110 that comprises a first jaw and asecond jaw. In one arrangement, the first jaw comprises an elongatechannel 112 that is configured to operably support a surgical staplecartridge 116 therein. The second jaw comprises an anvil 114 that ispivotally supported relative to the elongate channel 112. Theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 also includes a lockablearticulation joint 120 which can be configured to releasably hold theend effector 110 in a desired position relative to a shaft axis SA.Details regarding various constructions and operation of the endeffector 110, the articulation joint 120 and the articulation lock areset forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitledARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, nowU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. As can be further seenin FIGS. 2 and 3, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 caninclude a proximal housing or nozzle 130 and a closure tube assembly 140which can be utilized to close and/or open the anvil 114 of the endeffector 110. As discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2015/0272575, the closure tube assembly 140 is movably supported on aspine 145 which supports articulation driver arrangement 147 forapplying articulation motions to the surgical end effector 110. Thespine 145 is configured to, one, slidably support a firing bar 170therein and, two, slidably support the closure tube assembly 140 whichextends around the spine 145. In various circumstances, the spine 145includes a proximal end that is rotatably supported in a chassis 150.See FIG. 3. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end of thespine 145 is attached to a spine bearing (not shown) that is configuredto be supported within the chassis 150. Such an arrangement facilitatesrotatable attachment of the spine 145 to the chassis 150 such that thespine 145 may be selectively rotated about a shaft axis SA relative tothe chassis 150.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly100 includes a closure shuttle 160 that is slidably supported within thechassis 150 such that it may be axially moved relative thereto. As canbe seen in FIG. 3, the closure shuttle 160 includes a pair ofproximally-protruding hooks 162 that are configured for attachment tothe attachment pin 516 that is attached to the closure linkage assembly514 in the handle assembly 500. A proximal closure tube segment 146 ofthe closure tube assembly 140 is coupled to the closure shuttle 160 forrelative rotation thereto. Thus, when the hooks 162 are hooked over thepin 516, actuation of the closure trigger 512 will result in the axialmovement of the closure shuttle 160 and ultimately, the closure tubeassembly 140 on the spine 145. A closure spring (not shown) may also bejournaled on the closure tube assembly 140 and serves to bias theclosure tube assembly 140 in the proximal direction “PD” which can serveto pivot the closure trigger 512 into the unactuated position when theshaft assembly 100 is operably coupled to the handle assembly 500. Inuse, the closure tube assembly 140 is translated distally (direction DD)to close the anvil 114, for example, in response to the actuation of theclosure trigger 512. The closure tube assembly 140 includes a distalclosure tube segment 142 that is pivotally pinned to a distal end of aproximal closure tube segment 146. The distal closure tube segment 142is configured to axially move with the proximal closure tube segment 146relative to the surgical end effector 110. When the distal end of thedistal closure tube segment 142 strikes a proximal surface or ledge 115on the anvil 114, the anvil 114 is pivoted closed. Further detailsconcerning the closure of anvil 114 may be found in the aforementionedU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541 and will bediscussed in further detail below. As was also described in detail inU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, the anvil 114 isopened by proximally translating the distal closure tube segment 142.The distal closure tube segment 142 has a horseshoe aperture 143 thereinthat defines a downwardly extending return tab (not shown) thatcooperates with an anvil tab 117 formed on the proximal end of the anvil114 to pivot the anvil 114 back to an open position. In the fully openposition, the closure tube assembly 140 is in its proximal-most orunactuated position.

As was also indicated above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly100 further includes a firing bar 170 that is supported for axial travelwithin the shaft spine 145. The firing bar 170 includes an intermediatefiring shaft portion that is configured for attachment to a distalcutting portion or knife bar that is configured for axial travel throughthe surgical end effector 110. In at least one arrangement, theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 includes a clutch assembly(not shown) which can be configured to selectively and releasably couplethe articulation driver to the firing bar 170. Further details regardingthe clutch assembly features and operation may be found in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263541. As discussed in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263541, when the clutch assembly is inits engaged position, distal movement of the firing bar 170 can move thearticulation driver arrangement 147 distally and, correspondingly,proximal movement of the firing bar 170 can move the articulation driverarrangement 147 proximally. When the clutch assembly is in itsdisengaged position, movement of the firing bar 170 is not transmittedto the articulation driver arrangement 147 and, as a result, the firingbar 170 can move independently of the articulation driver arrangement147. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 may also include aslip ring assembly (not shown) which can be configured to conductelectrical power to and/or from the end effector 110 and/or communicatesignals to and/or from the end effector 110. Further details regardingthe slip ring assembly may be found in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0263541. U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM,now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552 is incorporatedby reference in its entirety. U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481, entitled STAPLECARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, is also hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the chassis 150 has at least one, andpreferably two, tapered attachment portions 152 formed thereon that areadapted to be received within corresponding dovetail slots 507 formedwithin a distal end of the frame 506. Each dovetail slot 507 may betapered or, stated another way, be somewhat V-shaped to seatinglyreceive the tapered attachment portions 152 therein. As can be furtherseen in FIG. 3, a shaft attachment lug 172 is formed on the proximal endof the firing shaft 170. When the interchangeable surgical tool assembly100 is coupled to the handle assembly 500, the shaft attachment lug 172is received in a firing shaft attachment cradle 542 formed in the distalend of the longitudinally movable drive member 540. The interchangeablesurgical tool assembly 100 also employs a latch system 180 forreleasably latching the shaft assembly 100 to the frame 506 of thehandle assembly 500. In at least one form, for example, the latch system180 includes a lock member or lock yoke 182 that is movably coupled tothe chassis 150. The lock yoke 182 includes two proximally protrudinglock lugs 184 that are configured for releasable engagement withcorresponding lock detents or grooves 509 in the distal attachmentflange of the frame 506. In various forms, the lock yoke 182 is biasedin the proximal direction by spring or biasing member. Actuation of thelock yoke 182 may be accomplished by a latch button 186 that is slidablymounted on a latch actuator assembly that is mounted to the chassis 150.The latch button 186 may be biased in a proximal direction relative tothe lock yoke 182. As will be discussed in further detail below, thelock yoke 182 may be moved to an unlocked position by biasing the latchbutton 186 the in distal direction DD which also causes the lock yoke182 to pivot out of retaining engagement with the distal attachmentflange of the frame 506. When the lock yoke 182 is in “retainingengagement” with the distal attachment flange of the frame 506, the locklugs 184 are retainingly seated within the corresponding lock detents orgrooves 509 in the distal end of the frame 506. Further detailsconcerning the latching system may be found in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0263541.

Attachment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 to thehandle assembly 500 will now be described with reference to FIG. 3. Tocommence the coupling process, the clinician may position the chassis150 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 above or adjacentto the distal end of the frame 506 such that the tapered attachmentportions 152 formed on the chassis 150 are aligned with the dovetailslots 507 in the frame 506. The clinician may then move the surgicaltool assembly 100 along an installation axis IA that is perpendicular tothe shaft axis SA to seat the tapered attachment portions 152 in“operable engagement” with the corresponding dovetail receiving slots507 in the distal end of the frame 506. In doing so, the shaftattachment lug 172 on the firing shaft 170 will also be seated in thecradle 542 in the longitudinally movable drive member 540 and theportions of pin 516 on the closure link 514 will be seated in thecorresponding hooks 162 in the closure shuttle 160. As used herein, theterm “operable engagement” in the context of two components means thatthe two components are sufficiently engaged with each other so that uponapplication of an actuation motion thereto, the components may carry outtheir intended action, function and/or procedure.

Returning now to FIG. 1, the surgical system 10 illustrated in thatFigure includes four interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 100, 200,300 and 1000 that may each be effectively employed with the same handleassembly 500 to perform different surgical procedures. The constructionof an exemplary form of interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 wasbriefly discussed above and is discussed in further detail in U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. Various detailsregarding interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 200 and 300 may befound in the various U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on evendate herewith and which have been incorporated by reference herein.Various details regarding interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000will be discussed in further detail below.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, each of the surgical tool assemblies 100, 200,300 and 1000 includes a pair of jaws wherein at least one of the jaws ismovable between open positions wherein tissue may be captured ormanipulated between the two jaws and closed positions wherein the tissueis firmly retained therebetween. The movable jaw or jaws are movedbetween open and closed positions upon application of closure andopening motions applied thereto from the handle assembly or the roboticor automated surgical system to which the surgical tool assembly isoperably coupled. In addition, each of the illustrated interchangeablesurgical tool assemblies includes a firing member that is configured tocut tissue and fire staples from a staple cartridge that is supported inone of the jaws in response to firing motions applied thereto by thehandle assembly or robotic system. Each surgical tool assembly may beuniquely designed to perform a specific procedure, for example, to cutand fasten a particular type of and thickness of tissue within a certainarea in the body. The closing, firing and articulation control systemsin the handle assembly 500 or robotic system may be configured togenerate axial control motions and/or rotary control motions dependingupon the type of closing, firing and articulation system configurationsthat are employed in the surgical tool assembly. In one arrangement,when a closure control system in the handle assembly or robotic systemis fully actuated, one of the closure system control components whichmay, for example, comprise a closure tube assembly as described above,moves axially from an unactuated position to its fully actuatedposition. The axial distance that the closure tube assembly movesbetween its unactuated position to its fully actuated position may bereferred to herein as its “closure stroke length”. Similarly, when afiring system in the handle assembly or robotic system is fullyactuated, one of the firing system control components which may, forexample, comprise the longitudinally movable drive member as describedabove moves axially from its unactuated position to its fully actuatedor fired position. The axial distance that the longitudinally movabledrive member moves between its unactuated position and its fully firedposition may be referred to herein as its “firing stroke length”. Forthose surgical tool assemblies that employ articulatable end effectorarrangements, the handle assembly or robotic system may employarticulation control components that move axially through an“articulation drive stroke length”. In many circumstances, the closurestroke length, the firing stroke length and the articulation drivestroke length are fixed for a particular handle assembly or roboticsystem. Thus, each of the surgical tool assemblies must be able toaccommodate control movements of the closure, firing and/or articulationcomponents through each of their entire stroke lengths without placingundue stress on the surgical tool components which might lead to damageor catastrophic failure of surgical tool assembly.

Turning now to FIGS. 4-10, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly1000 includes a surgical end effector 1100 that comprises an elongatechannel 1102 that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge1110 therein. The end effector 1100 may further include an anvil 1130that is pivotally supported relative to the elongate channel 1102. Theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may further include anarticulation joint 1200 and an articulation lock 1210 (FIGS. 5 and 8-10)which can be configured to releasably hold the end effector 1100 in adesired articulated position relative to a shaft axis SA. Detailsregarding the construction and operation of the articulation lock 1210may be found in in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitledARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, nowU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.Additional details concerning the articulation lock may also be found inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, filed Feb. 9, 2016,entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTEDSECONDARY CONSTRAINT, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein. As can be seen in FIG. 7, theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 can further include aproximal housing or nozzle 1300 comprised of nozzle portions 1302, 1304as well as an actuator wheel portion 1306 that is configured to becoupled to the assembled nozzle portions 1302, 1304 by snaps, lugs,screws etc. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 can furtherinclude a closure tube assembly 1400 which can be utilized to closeand/or open the anvil 1130 of the end effector 1100 as will be discussedin further detail below. Primarily referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 can include a spine assembly1500 which can be configured to support the articulation lock 1210. Inthe illustrated arrangement, the spine assembly 1500 comprises an“elastic” spine or frame member 1510 which will be described in furtherdetail below. A distal end portion 1522 of the elastic spine member 1510is attached to a distal frame segment 1560 that operably supports thearticulation lock 1210 therein. As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, thespine assembly 1500 is configured to, one, slidably support a firingmember assembly 1600 therein and, two, slidably support the closure tubeassembly 1400 which extends around the spine assembly 1500. The spineassembly 1500 can also be configured to slidably support a proximalarticulation driver 1700.

As can be seen in FIG. 10, the distal frame segment 1560 is pivotallycoupled to the elongate channel 1102 by an end effector mountingassembly 1230. In one arrangement, for example, the distal end 1562 ofthe distal frame segment 1560 has a pivot pin 1564 formed thereon. Thepivot pin 1564 is adapted to be pivotally received within a pivot hole1234 formed in pivot base portion 1232 of the end effector mountingassembly 1230. The end effector mounting assembly 1230 is attached tothe proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102 by a spring pin 1105or other suitable member. The pivot pin 1564 defines an articulationaxis B-B that is transverse to the shaft axis SA. See FIG. 4. Sucharrangement facilitates pivotal travel (i.e., articulation) of the endeffector 1100 about the articulation axis B-B relative to the spineassembly 1500.

Still referring to FIG. 10, in the illustrated embodiment, thearticulation driver 1700 has a distal end 1702 that is configured tooperably engage the articulation lock 1210. The articulation lock 1210includes an articulation frame 1212 that is adapted to operably engage adrive pin 1238 on the pivot base portion 1232 of the end effectormounting assembly 1230. In addition, a cross-link 1237 may be linked tothe drive pin 1238 and articulation frame 1212 to assist articulation ofthe end effector 1100. As indicated above, further details regarding theoperation of the articulation lock 1210 and the articulation frame 1212may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. Further detailsregarding the end effector mounting assembly and crosslink may be foundin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, filed Feb. 9, 2016,entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTIONARRANGEMENTS, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein. In various circumstances, the elastic spine member1510 includes a proximal end 1514 which is rotatably supported in achassis 1800. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end 1514 ofthe elastic spine member 1510 has a thread 1516 formed thereon forthreaded attachment to a spine bearing (not shown) that is configured tobe supported within the chassis 1800. Such an arrangement facilitatesrotatable attachment of the elastic spine member 1510 to the chassis1800 such that the spine assembly 1500 may be selectively rotated abouta shaft axis SA relative to the chassis 1800.

Referring primarily to FIG. 7, the interchangeable surgical toolassembly 1000 includes a closure shuttle 1420 that is slidably supportedwithin the chassis 1800 such that it may be axially moved relativethereto. In one form, the closure shuttle 1420 includes a pair ofproximally-protruding hooks 1421 that are configured for attachment tothe attachment pin 516 that is attached to the closure linkage assembly514 of the handle assembly 500 as was discussed above. A proximal end1412 of a proximal closure tube segment 1410 is coupled to the closureshuttle 1420 for relative rotation thereto. For example, a U-shapedconnector 1424 is inserted into an annular slot 1414 in the proximal end1412 of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 and is retained withinvertical slots 1422 in the closure shuttle 1420. See FIG. 7. Sucharrangement serves to attach the proximal closure tube segment 1410 tothe closure shuttle 1420 for axial travel therewith while enabling theclosure tube assembly 1400 to rotate relative to the closure shuttle1420 about the shaft axis SA. A closure spring (not shown) is journaledon the proximal end 1412 of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 andserves to bias the closure tube assembly 1400 in the proximal directionPD which can serve to pivot the closure trigger 512 on the handleassembly 500 (FIG. 3) into the unactuated position when theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 is operably coupled to thehandle assembly 500.

As indicated above, the illustrated interchangeable surgical toolassembly 1000 includes an articulation joint 1200. Other interchangeablesurgical tool assemblies, however, may not be capable of articulation.As can be seen in FIG. 10, upper and lower tangs 1415, 1416 protrudedistally from a distal end of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 tobe movably coupled to an end effector closure sleeve or distal closuretube segment 1430 of the closure tube assembly 1400. As can be seen inFIG. 10, the distal closure tube segment 1430 includes upper and lowertangs 1434, 1436 that protrude proximally from a proximal end thereof.An upper double pivot link 1220 includes proximal and distal pins thatengage corresponding holes in the upper tangs 1415, 1434 of the proximalclosure tube segment 1410 and distal closure tube segment 1430,respectively. Similarly, a lower double pivot link 1222 includesproximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in the lowertangs 1416 and 1436 of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 and distalclosure tube segment 1430, respectively. As will be discussed in furtherdetail below, distal and proximal axial translation of the closure tubeassembly 1400 will result in the closing and opening of the anvil 1130relative to the elongate channel 1102.

As mentioned above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000further includes a firing member assembly 1600 that is supported foraxial travel within the spine assembly 1500. In the illustratedembodiment, the firing member assembly 1600 includes an intermediatefiring shaft portion 1602 that is configured for attachment to a distalcutting portion or knife bar 1610. The firing member assembly 1600 mayalso be referred to herein as a “second shaft” and/or a “second shaftassembly”. As can be seen in FIGS. 7-10, the intermediate firing shaftportion 1602 may include a longitudinal slot 1604 in the distal endthereof which can be configured to receive a tab (not shown) on theproximal end of the knife bar 1610. The longitudinal slot 1604 and theproximal end of the knife bar 1610 can be sized and configured to permitrelative movement therebetween and can comprise a slip joint 1612. Theslip joint 1612 can permit the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 ofthe firing member assembly 1600 to be moved to articulate the endeffector 1100 without moving, or at least substantially moving, theknife bar 1610. Once the end effector 1100 has been suitably oriented,the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 can be advanced distallyuntil a proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot 1604 comes intocontact with the tab on the knife bar 1610 to advance the knife bar 1610and fire the staple cartridge 1110 positioned within the elongatechannel 1102. As can be further seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the elastic spinemember 1520 has an elongate opening or window 1525 therein to facilitateassembly and insertion of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602into the elastic spine member 1520. Once the intermediate firing shaftportion 1602 has been inserted therein, a top frame segment 1527 may beengaged with the elastic spine member 1520 to enclose the intermediatefiring shaft portion 1602 and knife bar 1610 therein. Furtherdescription of the operation of the firing member assembly 1600 may befound in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263541.

Further to the above, the interchangeable tool assembly 1000 can includea clutch assembly 1620 which can be configured to selectively andreleasably couple the articulation driver 1800 to the firing memberassembly 1600. In one form, the clutch assembly 1620 includes a lockcollar, or sleeve 1622, positioned around the firing member assembly1600 wherein the lock sleeve 1622 can be rotated between an engagedposition in which the lock sleeve 1622 couples the articulation driver1700 to the firing member assembly 1600 and a disengaged position inwhich the articulation driver 1700 is not operably coupled to the firingmember assembly 1600. When lock sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position,distal movement of the firing member assembly 1600 can move thearticulation driver 1700 distally and, correspondingly, proximalmovement of the firing member assembly 1600 can move the articulationdriver 1700 proximally. When lock sleeve 1622 is in its disengagedposition, movement of the firing member assembly 1600 is not transmittedto the articulation driver 1700 and, as a result, the firing memberassembly 1600 can move independently of the articulation driver 1700. Invarious circumstances, the articulation driver 1700 can be held inposition by the articulation lock 1210 when the articulation driver 1700is not being moved in the proximal or distal directions by the firingmember assembly 1600.

Referring primarily to FIG. 7, the lock sleeve 1622 can comprise acylindrical, or an at least substantially cylindrical, body including alongitudinal aperture 1624 defined therein configured to receive thefiring member assembly 1600. The lock sleeve 1622 can comprisediametrically-opposed, inwardly-facing lock protrusions 1626, 1628 andan outwardly-facing lock member 1629. The lock protrusions 1626, 1628can be configured to be selectively engaged with the intermediate firingshaft portion 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600. Moreparticularly, when the lock sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, thelock protrusions 1626, 1628 are positioned within a drive notch 1605defined in the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 such that a distalpushing force and/or a proximal pulling force can be transmitted fromthe firing member assembly 1600 to the lock sleeve 1622. When the locksleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, the second lock member 1629 isreceived within a drive notch 1704 defined in the articulation driver1700 such that the distal pushing force and/or the proximal pullingforce applied to the lock sleeve 1622 can be transmitted to thearticulation driver 1700. In effect, the firing member assembly 1600,the lock sleeve 1622, and the articulation driver 1700 will movetogether when the lock sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position. On theother hand, when the lock sleeve 1622 is in its disengaged position, thelock protrusions 1626, 1628 may not be positioned within the drive notch1605 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 of the firing memberassembly 1600 and, as a result, a distal pushing force and/or a proximalpulling force may not be transmitted from the firing member assembly1600 to the lock sleeve 1622. Correspondingly, the distal pushing forceand/or the proximal pulling force may not be transmitted to thearticulation driver 1700. In such circumstances, the firing memberassembly 1600 can be slid proximally and/or distally relative to thelock sleeve 1622 and the proximal articulation driver 1700. Theclutching assembly 1620 further includes a switch drum 1630 thatinterfaces with the lock sleeve 1622. Further details concerning theoperation of the switch drum and lock sleeve 1622 may be found in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0263541, and Ser. No. 15/019,196. The switch drum1630 can further comprise at least partially circumferential openings1632, 1634 defined therein which can receive circumferential mounts 1305that extend from the nozzle halves 1302, 1304 and permit relativerotation, but not translation, between the switch drum 1630 and theproximal nozzle 1300. See FIG. 6. Rotation of the nozzle 1300 to a pointwhere the mounts reach the end of their respective slots 1632, 1634 inthe switch drum 1630 will result in rotation of the switch drum 1630about the shaft axis SA. Rotation of the switch drum 1630 may ultimatelyresult in the movement of the lock sleeve 1622 between its engaged anddisengaged positions. In alternative embodiments, the nozzle 1300 may beemployed to operably engage and disengage the articulation drive systemwith the firing drive system. As indicated above, clutch assembly 1620may operate in the various manners described in further detail in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0263541, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/019,196, which have each been herein incorporated by reference intheir respective entirety.

In the illustrated arrangement, the switch drum 1630 includes a anL-shaped slot 1636 that extends into a distal opening 1637 in the switchdrum 1630. The distal opening 1637 receives a transverse pin 1639 of ashifter plate 1638. In one example, the shifter plate 1638 is receivedwithin a longitudinal slot (not shown) that is provided in the locksleeve 1622 to facilitate axial movement of the lock sleeve 1622 whenengaged with the articulation driver 1700. Further details regarding theoperation of the shifter plate and shift drum arrangements may be foundin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/868,718, filed Sep. 28, 2015,entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH SHAFT RELEASE, POWERED FIRINGAND POWERED ARTICULATION, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein.

As also illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the interchangeable tool assembly1000 can comprise a slip ring assembly 1640 which can be configured toconduct electrical power to and/or from the end effector 1100 and/orcommunicate signals to and/or from the end effector 1100, back to amicroprocessor in the handle assembly or robotic system controller, forexample. Further details concerning the slip ring assembly 1640 andassociated connectors may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541,and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196 which have each beenherein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety as well asin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLECARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0263552, which is hereby incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety. As also described in further detail in theaforementioned patent applications that have been incorporated byreference herein, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 canalso comprise at least one sensor that is configured to detect theposition of the switch drum 1630.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the chassis 1800 includes at least one, andpreferably two, tapered attachment portions 1802 formed thereon that areadapted to be received within corresponding dovetail slots 507 formedwithin the distal end portion of the frame 506 of the handle assembly500 as was discussed above. As can be further seen in FIG. 7, a shaftattachment lug 1605 is formed on the proximal end of the intermediatefiring shaft 1602. As will be discussed in further detail below, whenthe interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 is coupled to the handleassembly 500, the shaft attachment lug 1605 is received in a firingshaft attachment cradle 542 that is formed in the distal end of thelongitudinal drive member 540. See FIG. 3.

Various interchangeable surgical tool assemblies employ a latch system1810 for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly1000 to the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. As can be seen in FIG.7, for example, in at least one form, the latch system 1810 includes alock member or lock yoke 1812 that is movably coupled to the chassis1800. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the lock yoke 1812 hasa U-shape with two spaced downwardly extending legs 1814. The legs 1814each have a pivot lug (not shown) formed thereon that are adapted to bereceived in corresponding holes 1816 formed in the chassis 1800. Sucharrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of the lock yoke 1812 to thechassis 1800. The lock yoke 1812 may include two proximally protrudinglock lugs 1818 that are configured for releasable engagement withcorresponding lock detents or grooves 509 in the distal end of the frame506 of the handle assembly 500. See FIG. 3. In various forms, the lockyoke 1812 is biased in the proximal direction by a spring or biasingmember 1819. Actuation of the lock yoke 1812 may be accomplished by alatch button 1820 that is slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly1822 that is mounted to the chassis 1800. The latch button 1820 may bebiased in a proximal direction relative to the lock yoke 1812. The lockyoke 1812 may be moved to an unlocked position by biasing the latchbutton 1820 the in distal direction which also causes the lock yoke 1812to pivot out of retaining engagement with the distal end of the frame506. When the lock yoke 1812 is in “retaining engagement” with thedistal end of the frame 506, the lock lugs 1818 are retainingly seatedwithin the corresponding lock detents or grooves 509 in the distal endof the frame 506.

In the illustrated arrangement, the lock yoke 1812 includes at least oneand preferably two lock hooks 1824 that are adapted to contactcorresponding lock lug portions 1426 that are formed on the closureshuttle 1420. When the closure shuttle 1420 is in an unactuatedposition, the lock yoke 1812 may be pivoted in a distal direction tounlock the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 from the handleassembly 500. When in that position, the lock hooks 1824 do not contactthe lock lug portions 1426 on the closure shuttle 1420. However, whenthe closure shuttle 1420 is moved to an actuated position, the lock yoke1812 is prevented from being pivoted to an unlocked position. Statedanother way, if the clinician were to attempt to pivot the lock yoke1812 to an unlocked position or, for example, the lock yoke 1812 was inadvertently bumped or contacted in a manner that might otherwise causeit to pivot distally, the lock hooks 1824 on the lock yoke 1812 willcontact the lock lugs 1426 on the closure shuttle 1420 and preventmovement of the lock yoke 1812 to an unlocked position.

Still referring to FIG. 10, the knife bar 1610 may comprise a laminatedbeam structure that includes at least two beam layers. Such beam layersmay comprise, for example, stainless steel bands that are interconnectedby, for example, welding or pinning together at their proximal endsand/or at other locations along their length. In alternativeembodiments, the distal ends of the bands are not connected together toallow the laminates or bands to splay relative to each other when theend effector is articulated. Such arrangement permits the knife bar 1610to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate articulation of the endeffector. Various laminated knife bar arrangements are disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245. As can also be seen in FIG. 10,a middle support member 1614 is employed to provide lateral support tothe knife bar 1610 as it flexes to accommodate articulation of thesurgical end effector 1100. Further details concerning the middlesupport member and alternative knife bar support arrangements aredisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245. As can also beseen in FIG. 10, a firing member or knife member 1620 is attached to thedistal end of the knife bar 1610.

FIG. 11 illustrates one form of a firing member 1660 that may beemployed with the interchangeable tool assembly 1000. In one exemplaryform, the firing member 1660 comprises a body portion 1662 that includesa proximally extending connector member 1663 that is configured to bereceived in a correspondingly shaped connector opening 1614 in thedistal end of the knife bar 1610. See FIG. 10. The connector 1663 may beretained within the connector opening 1614 by friction and/or welding orsuitable adhesive, etc. The body portion 1662 protrudes through anelongate slot 1104 in the elongate channel 1102 and terminates in a footmember 1664 that extends laterally on each side of the body portion1662. As the firing member 1660 is driven distally through the surgicalstaple cartridge 1110, the foot member 1664 rides within a passage 1105in the elongate channel 1102 that is located under the surgical staplecartridge 1110. As can be seen in FIG. 11, one form of the firing member1660 may further include laterally protruding central tabs, pins orretainer features 1680. As the firing member 1660 is driven distallythrough the surgical staple cartridge 1110, the central retainerfeatures 1680 ride on the inner surface 1106 of the elongate channel1102. The body portion 1662 of the firing member 1660 further includes atissue cutting edge or feature 1666 that is disposed between a distallyprotruding hook feature 1665 and a distally protruding top nose portion1670. As can be further seen in FIG. 11, the firing member 1660 mayfurther include two laterally extending top tabs, pins or anvilengagement features 1665. As the firing member 1660 is driven distally,a top portion of the body 1662 extends through a centrally disposedanvil slot 1138 and the top anvil engagement features 1672 ride oncorresponding ledges 1136 formed on each side of the anvil slot 1134.See FIGS. 13 and 14.

Returning to FIG. 10, the firing member 1660 is configured to operablyinterface with a sled assembly 1120 that is operably supported withinthe body 1111 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. The sled assembly1120 is slidably displaceable within the surgical staple cartridge body1111 from a proximal starting position adjacent the proximal end 1112 ofthe cartridge body 1111 to an ending position adjacent a distal end 1113of the cartridge body 1111. The cartridge body 1111 operably supportstherein a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) that are aligned inrows on each side of a centrally disposed slot 1114. The centrallydisposed slot 1114 enables the firing member 1660 to pass therethroughand cut the tissue that is clamped between the anvil 1130 and the staplecartridge 1110. The drivers are associated with corresponding pockets1116 that open through the upper deck surface 1115 of the cartridgebody. Each of the staple drivers supports one or more surgical staple orfastener (not shown) thereon. The sled assembly 1120 includes aplurality of sloped or wedge-shaped cams 1122 wherein each cam 1122corresponds to a particular line of fasteners or drivers located on aside of the slot 1114. In the illustrated example, one cam 1122 isaligned with one line of “double” drivers that each support two staplesor fasteners thereon and another cam 1122 is aligned with another lineof “single” drivers on the same side of the slot 1114 that each operablysupport a single surgical staple or fastener thereon. Thus, in theillustrated example, when the surgical staple cartridge 1110 is “fired”,there will be three lines of staples on each lateral side of the tissuecut line. However, other cartridge and driver configurations could alsobe employed to fire other staple/fastener arrangements. The sledassembly 1120 has a central body portion 1124 that is configured to beengaged by the hook portion 1665 of the firing member 1660. Thus, whenthe firing member 1660 is fired or driven distally, the firing member1660 drives the sled assembly 1120 distally as well. As the firingmember 1660 moves distally through the cartridge 1110, the tissuecutting feature 1666 cuts the tissue that is clamped between the anvilassembly 1130 and the cartridge 1110 and the sled assembly 1120 drivesthe drivers upwardly in the cartridge which drive the correspondingstaples or fasteners into forming contact with the anvil assembly 1130.

In those embodiments wherein the firing member includes a tissue cuttingsurface, it may be desirable for the elongate shaft assembly to beconfigured in such a way so as to prevent the inadvertent advancement ofthe firing member unless an unspent staple cartridge is properlysupported in the elongate channel 1102 of the surgical end effector1100. If, for example, no staple cartridge is present at all and thefiring member is distally advanced through the end effector, the tissuewould be severed, but not stapled. Similarly, if a spent staplecartridge (i.e., a staple cartridge wherein at least some of the stapleshave already been fired therefrom) is present in the end effector andthe firing member is advanced, the tissue would be severed, but may notbe completely stapled, if at all. It will be appreciated that suchoccurrences could lead to undesirable catastrophic results during thesurgical procedure. U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,649 entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,352entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISMFOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,695 entitled SURGICALSTAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OFFIRING, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,933, entitledSURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTINGFIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS SPENT OR MISSING eachdisclose various firing member lockout arrangements. Each of thosereferences is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

An “unfired”, “unspent”, “fresh” or “new” cartridge 1110 means hereinthat the cartridge 1110 has all of its fasteners in their“ready-to-be-fired positions”. When in that position, the sled assembly1120 is located in its starting position. The new cartridge 1110 isseated within the elongate channel 1102 and may be retained therein bysnap features on the cartridge body that are configured to retaininglyengage corresponding portions of the elongate channel 1102. FIGS. 15 and18 illustrate a portion of the surgical end effector 1100 with a new orunfired surgical staple cartridge 1110 seated therein. As can be seen inthose Figures, the sled assembly 1120 is in the starting position. Toprevent the firing system from being activated and, more precisely, toprevent the firing member 1660 from being distally driven through theend effector 1110 unless an unfired or new surgical staple cartridge hasbeen properly seated within the elongate channel 1102, the illustratedinterchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 employs a firing memberlockout system generally designated as 1650.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 15-19, in one form, the firing memberlockout system 1650 includes movable lock member 1652 that is configuredto retainingly engage the firing member 1660 when a surgical staplecartridge 1110 is not properly seated within the elongate channel 1102.The lock member 1652 comprises at least one laterally moving lockingportion 1654 that is configured to retainingly engage a correspondingportion of the firing member when the sled assembly 1120 is not presentwithin the cartridge 1110 in its starting position. In the illustratedarrangement, the lock member 1652 employs two laterally moving lockingportions 1654 wherein each locking portion 1654 engages a laterallyextending portion of the firing member 1660.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lock member 1652 comprises agenerally U-shaped spring member wherein each laterally movable leg orlocking portion 1654 extends from a central spring portion 1653 and isconfigured to move in lateral directions represented by “L” in FIGS. 18and 19. It will be appreciated that the term “lateral directions” refersto directions that are transverse to the shaft axis SA. The spring orlock member 1652 may be fabricated from high strength spring steel orsimilar material. The central spring portion 1653 may be seated within aslot 1236 in the end effector mounting assembly 1230. See FIG. 10. Ascan be seen in FIGS. 15-17, each of the laterally movable legs orlocking portions 1654 has a distal end 1656 with a locking window 1658therein. When the locking member 1652 is in a locked position, thecentral retainer feature 1680 on each lateral side extends into thecorresponding locking window 1658 to retainingly prevent the firingmember from being distally axially advanced.

Operation of the firing member lock out system will be explained withreference to FIGS. 15-19. FIGS. 15 and 18 illustrate a portion of thesurgical end effector 1100 with a new unfired cartridge 1110 properlyinstalled therein. As can be seen in those Figures, the sled assembly1120 includes an unlocking feature 1126 that corresponds to each of thelaterally movable locking portion 1654. In the illustrated arrangement,an unlocking feature 1126 is provided on or extends proximally from eachof the central wedge-shaped cams 1122. In alternative arrangements, theunlocking feature 1126 may comprise a proximally protruding portion ofthe corresponding wedge-shaped cam 1122. As can be seen in FIG. 18, whenthe sled assembly 1120 is in its starting position, the unlockingfeatures 1124 engage and bias the corresponding locking portions 1654laterally in a direction that is transverse to the shaft axis SA. Whenthe locking portions 1654 are in those unlocked orientations, thecentral retainer features 1680 are not in retaining engagement withtheir corresponding locking window 1658. When in those orientations, thefiring member 1660 may be distally axially advanced (fired). However,when a cartridge is not present in the elongate channel 1102 or the sledassembly has been moved out of its starting position (meaning thecartridge is partially or completely fired), the locking portions 1654spring laterally into retaining engagement with the firing member 1660.When in that position as illustrated in FIG. 19, the firing member 1660cannot be moved distally.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate the retraction of the firing member 1660 backto the starting position after firing the cartridge 1110 and driving thesled assembly 1120 distally. FIG. 16 depicts the initial reengagement ofthe retaining feature 1680 into its corresponding locking window 1658.FIG. 17 illustrates the retaining feature in its locked position whenthe firing member 1660 has been fully retracted back to its startingposition. To assist in the lateral displacement of the locking portions1654 when they are each initially contacted by the proximally movingretaining features 1680, each of the retaining features 1680 may beprovided with a proximally facing, laterally tapered end portion. Suchlockout system prevents actuation of the firing member 1660 when a newunfired cartridge is not present or when a new unfired cartridge ispresent, but has not been properly seated in the elongate channel 1102.In addition, the lockout system may prevent the clinician from distallyadvancing the firing member in the case where a spent or partially firedcartridge has been inadvertently properly seated within the elongatechannel. Another advantage that may be provided by the lockout system1650 is that, unlike other firing member lock out arrangements thatrequire movement of the firing member into and out of alignment with thecorresponding slots/passages in the staple cartridge, the firing member1660 remains in alignment with the cartridge passages while in thelocked and unlocked position. The locking portions 1654 are designed tomove laterally into and out of engagement with corresponding sides ofthe firing member. Such lateral movement of the locking portions orportion is distinguishable from other locking arrangements that move invertical directions to engage and disengage portions of the firingmember.

Returning to FIGS. 13 and 14, in one form, the anvil 1130 includes anelongated anvil body portion 1132 and a proximal anvil mounting portion1150. The elongated anvil body portion 1132 includes an outer surface1134 that defines two downwardly extending tissue stop members 1136 thatare adjacent to the proximal anvil mounting portion 1150. The elongatedanvil body portion 1132 also includes an underside 1135 that defines anelongate anvil slot 1138. In the illustrated arrangement shown in FIG.14, the anvil slot 1138 is centrally disposed in the underside 1135. Theunderside 1135 includes three rows 1140, 1141, 1142 of staple formingpockets 1143, 1144 and 1145 located on each side of the anvil slot 1138.Adjacent each side of the anvil slot 1138 are two elongate anvilpassages 1146. Each passage 1146 has a proximal ramp portion 1148. SeeFIG. 13. As the firing member 1660 is advanced distally, the top anvilengagement features 1632 initially enter the corresponding proximal rampportions 1148 and into the corresponding elongate anvil passages 1146.

Turning to FIGS. 12 and 13, the anvil slot 1138, as well as the proximalramp portion 1148, extend into the anvil mounting portion 1150. Statedanother way, the anvil slot 1138 divides or bifurcates the anvilmounting portion 1150 into two anvil attachment flanges 1151. The anvilattachments flanges 1151 are coupled together at their proximal ends bya connection bridge 1153. The connection bridge 1153 serves to providesupport to the anvil attachment flanges 1151 and can serve to make theanvil mounting portion 1150 more rigid than the mounting portions ofother anvil arrangements wherein the anvil attachment flanges are notconnected at their proximal ends. As can also be seen in FIGS. 12 and14, the anvil slot 1138 has a wide portion 1139 to accommodate the topportion and top anvil engagement features 1632 of the firing member1660.

As can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 20-24, each of the anvil attachmentflanges 1151 includes a transverse mounting hole 1156 that is configuredto receive a pivot pin 1158 (FIGS. 10 and 20) therethrough. The anvilmounting portion 1150 is pivotally pinned to the proximal end 1103 ofthe elongate channel 1102 by the pivot pin 1158 which extends throughmounting holes 1107 in the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel1102 and the mounting hole 1156 in anvil mounting portion 1150. Sucharrangement serves to pivotally affix the anvil 1130 to the elongatechannel 1102 for selective pivotal travel about a fixed anvil axis A-Awhich is transverse to the shaft axis SA. See FIG. 5. The anvil mountingportion 1150 also includes a cam surface 1152 that extends from acentralized firing member parking area 1154 to the outer surface 1134 ofthe anvil body portion 1132.

In the illustrated arrangement, the anvil 1130 is moved between an openposition and closed positions by axially advancing and retracting thedistal closure tube segment 1430. As will be discussed in further detailbelow, a distal end portion of the distal closure tube segment 1430 hasan internal cam surface formed thereon that is configured to camminglyengage the cam surface 1552 or cam surfaces formed on the anvil mountingportion 1150. FIG. 22 illustrates a cam surface 1152 a formed on theanvil mounting portion 1150 so as to establish a single contact path1155 a with the internal cam surface 1444, for example, on the distalclosure tube segment 1430. FIG. 23 illustrates a cam surface 1152 b thatis configured relative to the internal cam surface 1444 on the distalclosure tube segment to establish two separate and distinct arcuatecontact paths 1155 b between the cam surface 1152 on the anvil mountingportion 1150 and internal cam surface 1444 on the distal closure tubesegment 1430. In addition to other potential advantages discussedherein, such arrangement may serve to better distribute the closureforces from the distal closure tube segment 1430 to the anvil 1130. FIG.24 illustrates a cam surface 1152 c that is configured relative to theinternal cam surface 1444 of the distal closure tube segment 1430 toestablish three distinct zones of contact 1155 c and 1155 d between thecam surfaces on the anvil mounting portion 1150 and the distal closuretube segment 1430. The zones 1155 c, 1155 d establish larger areas ofcamming contact between the cam surface or cam surfaces on the distalclosure tube segment 1430 and the anvil mounting portion 1150 and mayserve to better distribute the closure forces to the anvil 1130.

As the distal closure tube segment 1430 cammingly engages the anvilmounting portion 1150 of the anvil 1130, the anvil 1130 is pivoted aboutthe anvil axis AA which results in the pivotal movement of the distalend of the end 1133 of elongate anvil body portion 1132 toward thesurgical staple cartridge 1110 and distal end 1105 of the elongatechannel 1102. As the anvil body portion 1132 begins to pivot, itcontacts the tissue that is to be cut and stapled which is nowpositioned between the underside 1135 of the elongate anvil body portion1132 and the deck 1116 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. As theanvil body portion 1132 is compressed onto the tissue, the anvil 1130may experience considerable amounts of resistive forces. These resistiveforces are overcome as the distal closure tube 1430 continues its distaladvancement. However, depending upon their magnitudes and points ofapplication to the anvil body portion 1132, these resistive forces couldtend to cause portions of the anvil 1130 to flex which may generally beundesirable. For example, such flexure may cause misalignment betweenthe firing member 1660 and the passages 1148, 1146 within the anvil1130. In instances wherein the flexure is excessive, such flexure couldsignificantly increase the amount of firing force required to fire theinstrument (i.e., drive the firing member 1660 through the tissue fromits starting to ending position). Such excessive firing force may resultin damage to the end effector, and/or the firing member, and/or theknife bar, and/or the firing drive system components, etc. Thus, it maybe advantageous for the anvil to be constructed so as to resist suchflexure.

FIGS. 25-27 illustrate an alternative anvil embodiment that includesfeatures that may improve the stiffness of the anvil body and itsresistance to flexure forces that may be generated during the closingand/or firing processes. The anvil 1130′ may otherwise be identical inconstruction to the anvil 1130 described above except for thedifferences discussed herein. As can be seen in those Figures, the anvil1130′ has an elongate anvil body 1132′ that has an upper body portion1165 that has an anvil cap 1170 attached thereto. In the embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 25-27, the anvil cap 1170 is roughly rectangular inshape and has an outer cap perimeter 1172. The perimeter 1172 of theanvil cap 1170 is configured to be inserted through thecorrespondingly-shaped opening 1137 formed in the upper body portion1165 and received on axially extending internal ledge portions 1139formed therein. See FIG. 27. The internal ledge portions 1139 areconfigured to support the corresponding long sides 1177 of the anvil cap1170. In an alternative embodiment, the anvil cap 1170 may be slide ontothe internal ledges 1139 through an opening (not shown) in the distalend 1133 of the anvil body 1132′. In yet another embodiment, no internalledge portions are provided. The anvil body 1132′ and the anvil cap 1170may be fabricated from suitable metal that is conducive to welding. Afirst weld 1178 may extend around the entire cap perimeter 1172 of theanvil cap 1170 or it may only be located along the long sides 1177 ofthe anvil cap 1170 and not the distal end 1173 and/or proximal end 1175thereof. The first weld 1178 may be continuous or it may bediscontinuous or intermittent. In those embodiments where the first weld1178 is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be equallydistributed along the long sides 1177 of the anvil cap 1170 or the weldsegments may be more densely spaced closer to the distal ends of thelong sides 1177 or more densely spaced closer to the proximal ends ofthe long sides 1177. In still other arrangements, the weld segments maybe more densely spaced in the center areas of the long sides 1177 of theanvil cap 1170.

FIGS. 28-30 illustrate an anvil cap 1170′ that is configured to be“mechanically interlocked” to the anvil body 1132′ as well as welded tothe upper body portion 1165. In this embodiment, a plurality ofretention formations 1182 are formed into the wall 1180 of the upperbody portion 1165 that defines opening 1137. As used in this context,the term “mechanically interlocked” means that the anvil cap will remainaffixed to the elongate anvil body regardless of the orientation of theelongate anvil body and without any additional retaining or fasteningsuch as welding and/or adhesive, for example. The retention formations1182 may protrude inwardly into the opening 1137 from the opening wall1180. The retention formations 1182 may be integrally formed into thewall 1180 or otherwise be attached thereto. The retention formations1182 are designed to frictionally engage a corresponding portion of theanvil cap 1170′ when it is installed in the opening 1137 to frictionallyretain the anvil cap 1170′ therein. In the illustrated embodiment, theretention formations 1182 protrude inwardly into the opening 1137 andare configured to be frictionally received within a correspondinglyshaped engagement area 1184 formed in the outer perimeter 1172′ of theanvil cap 1170′. In the illustrated arrangement, the retentionformations 1182 only correspond to the long sides 1177′ of the anvil cap1170′ and are not provided in the portions of the wall 1180 thatcorrespond to the distal end 1173 or proximal end 1175 of the anvil cap1170′. In alternative arrangements, the retention formations 1182 mayalso be provided in the portions of the wall 1180 that correspond to thedistal end 1173 and proximal end 1175 of the anvil cap 1170′ as wall asthe long sides 1177′ thereof. In still other arrangements, the retentionformations 1182 may only be provided in the portions of the wall 1180that correspond to one or both of the distal and proximal ends 1173,1175 of the anvil cap 1170′. In still other arrangements, the retentionformations 1182 may be provided in the portions of the wall 1180corresponding to the long sides 1177′ and only one of the proximal anddistal ends 1173, 1175 of the anvil cap 1170′. It will be furtherunderstood that the retention protrusions in all of the foregoingembodiments may be alternatively formed on the anvil cap with theengagement areas being formed in the elongate anvil body.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 28-30, the retention formations1182 are equally spaced or equally distributed along the wall portions1180 that correspond to the long sides 1177′ of the anvil cap 1170′. Inalternative embodiments, the retention formations 1182 may be moredensely spaced closer to the distal ends of the long sides 1177′ or moredensely spaced closer to the proximal ends of the long sides 1177′.Stated another way, the spacing between those retention formationsadjacent the distal end, the proximal end or both the distal andproximal ends may be less than the spacing of the formations located inthe central portion of the anvil cap 1170′. In still other arrangements,the retention formations 1182 may be more densely spaced in the centerareas of the long sides 1177′ of the anvil cap 1170′. Also inalternative embodiments, the correspondingly shaped engagement areas1184 may not be provided in the outer perimeter 1172′ or in portions ofthe outer perimeter 1172′ of the anvil cap 1170′. In other embodiments,the retention formations and correspondingly shaped engagement areas maybe provided with different shapes and sizes. In alternativearrangements, the retention formations may be sized relative to theengagement areas so that there is no interference fit therebetween. Insuch arrangements, the anvil cap may be retained in position by welding,adhesive, etc.

In the illustrated example, a weld 1178′ may extend around the entireperimeter 1172′ of the anvil cap 1170′ or the weld 1178′ may only belocated along the long sides 1177′ of the anvil cap 1170′ and not thedistal end 1173 and/or proximal end 1175 thereof. The weld 1178′ may becontinuous or it may be discontinuous or intermittent. In thoseembodiments where the weld 1178′ is discontinuous or intermittent, theweld segments may be equally distributed along the long sides 1177′ ofthe anvil cap 1170′ or the weld segments may be more densely spacedcloser to the distal ends of the long sides 1177′ or more densely spacedcloser to the proximal ends of the long sides 1177′. In still otherarrangements, the weld segments may be more densely spaced in the centerareas of the long sides 1177′ of the anvil cap 1170′.

FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate another anvil arrangement 1130″ that is hasan anvil cap 1170″ attached thereto. In the depicted example, the anvilcap 1170″ is roughly rectangular in shape and has an outer cap perimeter1172″. The outer cap perimeter 1172″ is configured to be insertedthrough the correspondingly-shaped opening 1137″ in upper body portion1165 of the anvil body 1132″ and received on axially extending internalledge portions 1139″ and 1190″ formed therein. See FIG. 32. The ledgeportions 1139″ and 1190″ are configured to support the correspondinglong sides 1177″ of the anvil cap 1170″. In an alternative embodiment,the anvil cap 1170″ may be slid onto the internal ledges 1139″ and 1190″through an opening (not shown) in the distal end 1133″ of the anvil body1132′. The anvil body 1132″ and the anvil cap 1170″ may be fabricatedfrom metal material that is conducive to welding. A first weld 1178″ mayextend around the entire perimeter 1172″ of the anvil cap 1170″ or itmay only be located along the long sides 1177″ of the anvil cap 1170″and not the distal end 1173″ and/or proximal end (not shown) thereof.The weld 1178″ may be continuous or it may be discontinuous orintermittent. It will be appreciated that the continuous weld embodimenthas more weld surface area due to the irregularly shape perimeter of theanvil cap 1170″ as compared to the embodiments with a straight perimetersides such as the anvil caps shown in FIG. 26, for example. In thoseembodiments where the weld 1178″ is discontinuous or intermittent, theweld segments may be equally distributed along the long sides 1177″ ofthe anvil cap 1170″ or the weld segments may be more densely spacedcloser to the distal ends of the long sides 1177″ or more densely spacedcloser to the proximal ends of the long sides 1177″. In still otherarrangements, the weld segments may be more densely spaced in the centerareas of the long sides 1177″ of the anvil cap 1170″.

Still referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, the anvil cap 1170″ may beadditionally welded to the anvil body 1132″ by a plurality of seconddiscrete “deep” welds 1192″. For example, each weld 1192″ may be placedat the bottom of a corresponding hole or opening 1194″ provided throughthe anvil cap 1170″ so that a discrete weld 1192″ may be formed alongthe portion of the anvil body 1132″ between the ledges 1190″ and 1139″.See FIG. 32. The welds 1192″ may be equally distributed along the longsides 1177″ of the anvil cap 1170″ or the welds 1192″ may be moredensely spaced closer to the distal ends of the long sides 1177″ or moredensely spaced closer to the proximal ends of the long sides 1177″. Instill other arrangements, the welds 1192″ may be more densely spaced inthe center areas of the long sides 1177″ of the anvil cap 1170″.

FIG. 33 illustrates another anvil cap 1170′″ that is configured to bemechanically interlocked to the anvil body 1132′″ as well as welded tothe upper body portion 1165. In this embodiment, a “tongue-in-groove”arrangement is employed along each long side 1177′″ of the anvil cap1170′″. In particular, a laterally extending continuous or intermittenttab 1195′″ protrudes from each of the long sides 1177′″ of the anvil cap1170′″. Each tab 1195″ corresponds to an axial slot 1197′″ formed in theanvil body 1132′″. The anvil cap 1170′″ is slid in from an opening (notshown) in the distal end of the anvil body 1132′″ to “mechanically”affix the anvil cap to the anvil body 1132′″. The tabs 1195′″ and slots1197′″ may be sized relative to each other to establish a slidingfrictional fit therebetween. In addition, the anvil cap 1170′″ may bewelded to the anvil body 1132′″. The anvil body 1132′″ and the anvil cap1170′″ may be fabricated from metal that is conducive to welding. Theweld 1178′″ may extend around the entire perimeter 1172′″ of the anvilcap 1170′″ or it may only be located along the long sides 1177′″ of theanvil cap 1170′″. The weld 1178′ may be continuous or it may bediscontinuous or intermittent. In those embodiments where the weld1178′″ is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may beequally distributed along the long sides 1177′″ of the anvil cap 1170′″or the weld segments may be more densely spaced closer to the distalends of the long sides 1177′″ or more densely spaced closer to theproximal ends of the long sides 1177′″. In still other arrangements, theweld segments may be more densely spaced in the center areas of the longsides 1177′″ of the anvil cap 1170′″.

The anvil embodiments described herein with anvil caps may provideseveral advantages. One advantage for example, may make the anvil andfiring member assembly process easier. That is, the firing member may beinstalled through the opening in the anvil body while the anvil isattached to the elongate channel. Another advantage is that the uppercap may improve the anvil's stiffness and resistance to theabove-mentioned flexure forces that may be experienced when clampingtissue. By resisting such flexure, the frictional forces normallyencountered by the firing member 1660 may be reduced. Thus, the amountof firing force required to drive the firing member from its starting toending position in the surgical staple cartridge may also be reduced.

As indicated above, as the anvil 1130 begins to pivot, the anvil body1132 contacts the tissue that is to be cut and stapled which ispositioned between the undersurface of the elongate anvil body 1132 andthe deck of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. As the anvil body 1132is compressed onto the tissue, the anvil 1130 may experienceconsiderable amounts of resistive forces. To continue the closureprocess, these resistive forces must be overcome by the distal closuretube segment 1430 as it cammingly contacts the anvil mounting portion1150. These resistive forces may be generally applied to the distalclosure tube segment 1430 in the vertical directions V which, ifexcessive, could conceivably cause the distal closure tube segment 1430to expand or elongate in the vertical direction (distance ID in FIG. 31may increase). If the distal closure tube 1430 elongates in the verticaldirections, the distal closure tube segment 1430 may not be able toeffectively close the anvil 1130 and retain the anvil 1130 in the fullyclosed position. If that condition occurs, the firing member 1660 mayencounter dramatically higher resistance which will then require higherfiring forces to distally advance the firing member.

FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate one form of a closure member for applying aclosure motion to a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In theillustrated arrangement, the closure member comprises, for example, adistal closure tube segment 1430 that has a closure body portion 1470.As discussed above, one form of the interchangeable surgical toolassembly 1000 is configured so as to facilitate selective articulationof the surgical end effector 1100. To facilitate such articulation, thedistal closure tube segment 1430 is movably coupled to the proximalclosure tube segment 1410 by means of an upper tang 1434 and a lowertang 1436 and upper and lower double pivot links 1220 and 1222. See FIG.10. In one arrangement, the distal closure tube segment 1430 may bemachined or otherwise formed from round bar stock manufactured from, forexample, suitable metal material. In the illustrated arrangement, theclosure body 1470 has an outer surface 1431 and an inner surface 1433that defines an upper wall portion 1440 that has an upper wallcross-sectional thickness UWT and a lower wall portion 1442 that has alower wall thickness LWT. The upper wall portion 1440 is located abovethe shaft axis SA and the lower wall portion 1442 is located below theshaft axis SA. The distal end 1441 of the upper wall portion 1440 has aninternal cam surface 1444 formed thereon at a cam angle Θ. Also in theillustrated embodiment, UWT>LWT which serves to provide a longerinternal cam surface 1444 than might other wise be attainable if thedistal closure tube segment has a uniform wall thickness. A longinternal cam surface may be advantageous for transferring the closureforces to the cam surface(s) on the anvil mounting portion 1150. As canalso be seen in FIGS. 34 and 35, the transitional sidewalls 1446, 1448that are located on each side of the shaft axis SA between the upperwall portion 1440 and the lower wall portion 1442 comprise generallyflat, vertically extending internal sidewall surfaces 1451, 1453 thatmay be generally parallel to each other. The transitional sidewalls1446, 1448 each have a wall thickness that transitions from the upperwall thickness to the lower wall thickness.

In the illustrated arrangement, the distal closure tube segment 1430also includes positive jaw or anvil opening features 1462 thatcorrespond to each of the sidewalls 1446 and 1448 and protrude inwardlytherefrom. As can be seen in FIGS. 34 and 35, the anvil opening features1462 are formed on a lateral mounting body 1460 that sized to bereceived within a correspondingly-shaped cavity 1447, 1449 machined orotherwise formed in the transitional sidewalls 1446, 1448 adjacent thedistal end 1438 of the distal closure tube segment 1430. The positiveanvil opening features 1462 extend inwardly through correspondingopenings 1450, 1452 in the transitional sidewalls 1446, 1448. In theillustrated arrangement, the lateral mounting bodies 1460 are welded tothe distal closure tube segment 1430 with welds 1454. In addition to thewelds or in alternative to the welds, the lateral mounting bodies 1460may be retained in place with a mechanical/frictional fit,tongue-in-groove arrangements, adhesive, etc.

FIGS. 36-41 illustrate one example of the use of the distal closure tubesegment 1430 to move the anvil 1130 from a fully closed position to afully open position. FIGS. 36 and 39 illustrate the position of thedistal closure tube segment 1430 and, more particularly the position ofone of the positive anvil opening features 1462 when the distal closuretube segment 1430 is in the fully closed position. In the illustratedexample, an anvil opening ramp 1162 is formed on the underside of eachof the anvil attachment flanges 1151. When the anvil 1130 and the distalclosure tube segment 1430 are in their fully closed positions shown inFIG. 36, each of the positive anvil opening features 1462 is located ina cavity 1164 that is established between the anvil opening ramps 1162and the bottom portion of the elongate channel 1102. When in thatposition, the positive anvil opening features 1462 do not contact theanvil mounting portion 1150 or at least do not apply any significantopening motions or forces thereto. FIGS. 37 and 40 illustrate thepositions of the anvil 1130 and the distal closure tube segment 1430upon the initial application of an opening motion in the proximaldirection PD to the distal closure tube segment 1430. As can be seen inFIG. 37, the positive jaw opening features 1462 have initially contactedthe anvil opening ramps 1164 to cause the anvil 1130 to start pivotingto an open position. In the illustrated arrangement, each of thepositive anvil opening features 1462 has a ramped or rounded distal end1463 to facilitate better camming contact with the corresponding anvilopening ramp 1162. In FIGS. 38 and 41, the distal closure tube segment1430 has been retracted back to its fully retracted position which hascaused the positive anvil opening features 1462 to be driven to thedistal ends of the anvil opening ramps 1162 which causes the anvil 1130to be pivoted to its fully open position as shown therein. Otherembodiments may not employ the positive jaw opening features, but mayrely on springs or other biasing arrangements to bias the anvil to theopen position when the distal closure tube segment has been retracted toits proximal-most starting position.

FIGS. 42 and 43 illustrate another closure member for applying closuremotions to a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In this example, theclosure member comprises a distal closure tube segment 1430′ that may besimilar to the distal closure tube segment 1430 without the positiveanvil opening features. The distal closure tube segment 1430′ has aclosure body 1470′ that has an outer surface 1440′ and an inner surface1433′ that define an upper wall portion 1440′ and a lower wall portion1442′. As indicated above, it may be desirable to employ as large ofinternal camming surface 1444′ as possible in order to maximize thecamming contact with the camming surface on the anvil mounting portion1150 to thereby effectively transfer the closure forces thereto. Thus,the upper wall portion 1440′ of the distal closure tube segment 1430′may be provided with the thickest wall thickness UWT and the lowerportion of the distal closure tube segment 1430′ may have the thinnestwall thickness LWT. For reference purposes, the UWT and LWT are measuredalong a common reference line that extends through a center axis orpoint C of the distal closure tube segment 1430′. Thus, where UWT isdiametrically opposite from LWT, UWT>LWT. Such wall thicknessarrangements facilitate formation of a longer internal camming surface1444′.

As can be seen in FIG. 43, the distal closure tube segment 1430′ has anouter surface 1431′ that has circular cross-sectional shape. The distalclosure tube segment 1430′ may be machined from solid bar stock. In theillustrated example, internal radius R₁ from a first center axisA_(inner) extends to the inner surface 1433′ and the outer radius R₂from a second center axis A_(outer) extends to the outer surface 1431′.In the illustrated example, axis A_(inner) is offset by distance OR fromaxis A_(outer) and R₂>R₁.

FIG. 44 illustrates another closure member for applying closure motionsto a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In this example, the closuremember comprises a distal closure tube segment 1430″ that has a closurebody 1470″. The closure body 1470″ has an outer surface 1431′ and aninner surface 1433″ that define an upper wall portion 1440″ that has anupper wall thickness UWT and a lower wall portion 1442″ that has a lowerwall thickness LWT and two sidewall portions 1435′ that each has asidewall thickness SWT. In the illustrated example, UWT>LWT. Inaddition, SWT>UWT. Thus, SWT>UWT>LWT. In the illustrated arrangement,sidewall portions 1435′ have the same sidewall thickness SWT. In otherarrangements, the sidewall portions 1435′ may have differentthicknesses. As can be seen in FIG. 44, each sidewall portion 1435′defines an internal, vertically extending internal surface portion1437′. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertically extending internalsurface portions are approximately parallel to each other. Such thickervertical sidewall portions 1435′ may help to prevent or at leastminimize the vertical elongation of the distal closure tube segment1430″ when in use.

In the example depicted in FIG. 45, R₁ and R₂ are measured from a commoncenter point or center axis C and R₁>R₂. Each of the sidewall portions1435″ of the closure body portion 1470′″ of the distal closure tubesegment 1430′″ that extend between the upper portion 1431″ and 1433″have a sidewall thickness SWT that is approximately equal to the UWT atpoints along a horizontal reference line HR. The horizontal referenceline HR is perpendicular to a vertical reference line VR that extendsthrough the center axis C and along which the UWT and LWT may bemeasured and compared. Thus, SWT=UWT. In other examples, SWT, whenmeasured along the horizontal reference line HR may be slightly lessthan the UWT. The SWT may continue to decrease until the side wallportions 1435′ transition into the lower portion 1433′ that has aconstant lower wall thickness LWT. Thus, the inner sidewalls 1437″extend at an angle A₂ when measured from a corresponding verticalreference axis VR′ that is perpendicular to the horizontal referenceaxis HR and parallel to vertical reference axis VR.

FIG. 46 illustrates another closure member for applying closure motionsto a movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In this example, the closuremember comprises a distal closure tube segment 1430″ that has a closurebody 1470″ that has a round outer surface 1431″ and a rectangular shapedinternal passage 1439 extending therethrough. The outer surface 1431″ islocated a distance R from the geometric center point or center axis C.When measured along a vertical reference axis VR that extends throughthe center point or center axis C as shown, the upper wall thickness UWTis equal to the lower wall thickness LWT. When measure along ahorizontal reference axis HR that extends through the center point orcenter axis C and which is perpendicular to the vertical reference axisVR, the thicknesses SWT of the sidewall portions 1437″ are greater thanthe upper wall and lower wall thicknesses UWT and LWT. Thus, SWT isgreater than UWT and LWT. Stated another way, the portion of the distalclosure tube segment 1430″ located above the horizontal reference lineHR is a mirror image of the portion of the distal closure tube segment1430″ located below the horizontal reference line HR. In this example,the side portions 1437″ are thicker than the upper and lower wallportions and may tend to prevent or minimize the tendency of the distalclosure tube segment to elongate in the vertical directions. Theinternal camming surface may be formed on the distal end of the upperwall portion 1440″.

In the illustrated arrangement, the anvil 1130 is moved between open andclosed positions by distally advancing the distal closure tube segment1430. As can be seen in FIG. 41, when the anvil 1130 is in the fullyopen position, the distal ends 1163 of the anvil attachment flanges 1151may extend above the deck surface 1116 of the staple cartridge 1110.When the closure process is commenced by distally advancing the distalclosure tube segment in the distal direction DD, the distal ends 1163 ofthe anvil attachment flanges 1151 extend past the deck surface 1116 ofthe staple cartridge 1110 to thereby prevent infiltration of tissuetherebetween which might hamper the closure process. See FIG. 40. Oncethe anvil 1130 has been moved to the fully closed position by the distalclosure tube segment 1430, the distal ends 1461 of the lateral mountingbodies on the distal closure tube segment 1430 further act as tissuestops to prevent tissue from infiltrating therebetween. See FIG. 41.

FIG. 47 depicts portion of a surgical end effector 110′ that may besimilar to the surgical end effector 110 of the interchangeable surgicaltool assembly 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2. In the example illustrated in FIG.47, the anvil 114 includes an elongate body portion 190 and an anvilmounting portion 192. The anvil mounting portion 192 comprises twospaced anvil mounting flanges 194 that protrude proximally from theelongate body portion 190. Each anvil mounting flange 194 has anoutwardly extending trunnion 196 thereon. The trunnions 196 are eachmovably received within a corresponding kidney slot or elongated arcuatetrunnion slot 197 that is provided in the elongate channel 112. When theanvil 114 is in a “fully opened” position, the trunnions 196 aregenerally located in the bottom portions 198 of the elongated arcuatetrunnion slots 197. The anvil 114 can be moved to a closed position bydistally advancing the distal closure tube segment 142 in the distaldirection DD so that the end 148 of the distal closure tube segment 142rides up a cam surface 193 that is formed on the anvil mounting portion192 of the anvil 114. As the distal end 148 of the distal closure tubesegment 142 is distally advanced along a cam surface 193 on the anvilmounting portion 192, the distal closure tube segment 142 causes thebody portion 190 of the anvil 114 to pivot and move axially relative tothe surgical staple cartridge 116. When the distal closure tube segment142 reaches the end of its closure stroke, the distal end 148 of thedistal closure tube segment 142 abuts/contacts an abrupt anvil ledge 191and serves to position the anvil 114 so that the forming pockets (notshown) in the underside of the body portion 190 are properly alignedwith the staples in the cartridge. The anvil ledge 191 is definedbetween the cam surface 193 on the anvil mounting portion 192 and theelongate anvil body portion 190. Stated another way, in thisarrangement, the cam surface 193 does not extend to the outermostsurface 195 of the anvil body 190. After the distal closure tube 142 hasreached this fully extended position, any further application of closuremotions/forces to the anvil 114, may cause damage to the anvil and/orthe closure system components. As can be seen in FIG. 47, in thisarrangement, the closure force F_(H) is parallel to the shaft axis SA.The distance between an axis or plane T_(A) passing through the centersof the trunnions 196 to the closure force vector F_(H) is represented asdistance X_(R). This distance X_(R) times the closure force F_(H)represents a closure moment C_(M) that is applied to the anvil 114.

FIGS. 48 and 49 illustrate the closure force configurations for an anvil1130 of a surgical end effector 1100 of the interchangeable toolassembly 1000. As indicated above, the anvil trunnions 1158 arepivotally mounted within holes 1154 in the elongate channel 1102. Unlikethe anvil 114 described above, the anvil 1130 does not move axially.Instead, the anvil 1130 is constrained to only pivot about the anvilaxis AA. As the distal closure tube segment 1430 is advanced in thedistal direction DD under the horizontal closure force F_(H1), theinteraction between the internal cam surface 1444 on the distal closuretube segment 1430 and the cam surface 1152 on the anvil mounting portion1150 results in the distal closure tube segment 1430 experiencing avertical closure force component V_(F). The resultant force vector F_(N)experienced by the cam surface 1152 on the anvil mounting portion 1150is “normal to” or perpendicular to the internal cam surface 1444. AngleΘ in FIGS. 48 and 49 represents the angle of the camming surface 1152 asa well as the internal camming surface 1440 to the horizontal. Thedistance between this resultant force vector F_(N) and an axis or planeT_(A) that extends through the centers of the anvil trunnions 1158 isrepresented as moment arm M_(A). This moment arm distance M_(A) timesthe resultant force vector F_(N) represents a closure moment C_(M1) thatis applied to the anvil 1130. Thus, in applications wherein thehorizontal closure forces F_(H)=F_(H1), the actual amount of closuretorque applied to anvil 1130 will be greater than the amount of closuretorque applied to the anvil 114 because M_(A)>X_(R) and therefor theclosure moment applied to the anvil 1130 will be greater than theclosure moment applied to the anvil 114. FIG. 49 also illustrates theresistive forces established by the tissue during the closure process.F_(T) represents the force generated by the tissue when the tissue isclamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge. This “counter”moment M_(T) that is applied to the anvil 1130 equals the distance X_(T)between the tissue force T_(F) and the axis or plane T_(A) that extendsthrough the centers of the anvil trunnions 1158 times the tissue forceT_(F). Thus, in order to achieve a desired amount of anvil closure,C_(M1) must be greater than M_(T).

Returning to the example depicted in FIG. 47, it can be seen that thefiring bar 170 is attached to a firing member 174 that, when in astarting or unfired position, is located within the elongate channel 112and, more particularly, is located completely distal to the distalclosure tube segment 142 in a position wherein a top portion 175 of thefiring member 174 is in contact with a portion of the anvil 114. Becausethe firing member 174 is located in a position wherein the top portion175 thereof can contact the anvil as the anvil 114 is moved to theclosed position, such arrangement may result in the need for higherclosure forces to move the anvil 114 to a completely or fully closedposition. In addition, when the firing system is activated, higherfiring forces may be required to overcome the frictional interferencebetween the top portion 175 of the firing member 174 and the anvil 114.Conversely as can be seen in FIG. 48, in the end effector 1100, thefiring member 1660 is “parked” in the firing member parking area 1154that is within the distal closure tube segment 1430. When the firingmember 1660 is located within the firing member parking area 1154 withinthe distal closure tube segment 1430, it is unable to generatesignificant frictional forces with the anvil. Thus, one of theadvantages that may be achieved by parking the firing member 1660completely within the distal closure tube segment 1430 may be thereduction of the amount of closure force necessary to close the anvil toa fully closed position and/or a reduction in the amount of firing forceneeded to advance the firing member from the starting to ending positionwithin the end effector. Stated another way, parking the firing member1660 so that the firing member 1660 is completely proximal to the distalend of the distal closure tube segment 1430 and the internal cam surface1444 thereon and in a starting position wherein any frictional contactbetween the firing member and the anvil is eliminated or reduced, mayultimately require lower closure and firing forces to be generated foroperation of the end effector.

As discussed above, excessive flexure of the anvil during the closureand firing processes can lead to the need for undesirably higher firingforces. Thus, stiffer anvil arrangements are generally desirable.Returning to FIGS. 20 and 21, another advantage that may be provided bythe anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 depicted therein is that theanvil mounting portion 1150 of the anvil 1130 is generally more robustand therefor stiffer than other anvil and elongate channel arrangements.FIG. 50 illustrates use of stiffener gussets 199 between the anvilmounting flanges 194 and the elongate anvil body portion 190. Similargusset arrangements may also be employed between the anvil attachmentflanges 1151 and anvil body 1132 of anvil 1130 to further enhance anvilstiffness.

As indicated above, the interchangeable surgical tool 1000 includes anelastic spine member 1520. As can be seen in FIGS. 6, 7, 7A, 8 and51-54, the distal end portion 1522 of the elastic spine member 1520 isseparated from the proximal end portion 1524 of the elastic spine member15 by a stretch feature 1530 formed in the elastic spine member 1520. Inaddition, a stretch limiting insert 1540 is retainingly supportedbetween the distal end portion 1522 and the proximal end portion 1524.In various arrangements, the elastic spine member 1520 may be fabricatedfrom, for example, suitable polymeric material, rubber, etc. which has amodulus of elasticity designated as ME₁ for reference purposes. Thestretch feature 1530 may include a plurality of stretch cavities 1532.As can be seen in FIG. 7A, the illustrated stretch feature 1530 includesfour triangular-shaped stretch cavities 1532 that are arranged to definesome what flexible wall segments 1534 therebetween. Other shapes andnumbers of stretch cavities 1532 may be employed. The stretch cavities1532 may be molded or machined into the elastic spine member 1520, forexample.

Still referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 51-54, the stretch limiting insert1540 comprises a body portion 1541 which has a modulus of elasticitydesignated as ME₂ for reference purposes. As can be seen in FIG. 6, thebody portion 1541 includes two downwardly extending mounting lugs 1542that are each configured to be seated into mounting cavities 1535 formedin the elastic spine member 1520. See also FIG. 7A. To provide thestretch limiting insert 1540 with a desired amount of stretch capacityand elasticity, the body portion 1541 in the illustrated arrangement isprovided with a plurality of upper cavities 1543. The illustratedexample includes four upper cavities 1543 that are relatively square orrectangular in shape and which are spaced to define flexible walls 1544therebetween. Other embodiments may include other numbers and shapes ofupper cavities. The body portion 1541 of the illustrated stretchlimiting insert 1540 also includes a centrally disposed, downwardlyprotruding central lug portion 1545 that is configured to be seated in acentral cavity 1536 above the stretch feature 1530. See FIG. 7A. In theillustrated example, the central lug portion 1545 includes a pair ofcentral passages 1546 that extend laterally therethrough to define aflexible wall 1547 therebetween.

Also in the illustrated example, the stretch limiting insert 1540includes an elongated lateral cavity 1548 that is positioned on eachlateral side of the body portion 1541. Only one lateral cavity 1548 maybe seen in FIGS. 6 and 51-54. Each elongated lateral cavity 1548 isconfigured to support a corresponding stretch limiter 1550 therein.Thus, in the described example, two stretch limiters 1550 are employedin the stretch limiting insert 1540. In at least one arrangement, thestretch limiter 1550 includes an elongate body portion 1552 thatterminates on each end with a downwardly extending mounting lug 1554.Each mounting lug 1554 is received in a corresponding lug cavity 1549formed in the body portion 1541. The stretch limiter may have a modulusof elasticity for reference purposes of ME₃. In at least onearrangement, ME₃<ME₂<ME₁.

Actuation of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 whenoperably attached to the handle assembly 500 will now be described infurther detail with reference to FIGS. 51-54. FIG. 51 illustrates theanvil 1130 in an open position. As can be seen in that Figure, thedistal closure tube segment 1430 is in its starting or unactuatedposition and the positive anvil opening features 1462 have pivoted theanvil 1130 to the open position. In addition, the firing member 1660 isin the unactuated or starting position wherein the upper portion,including the top nose portion 1630, is parked in the firing memberparking area 1154 of the anvil mounting portion 1150. When theinterchangeable tool assembly 1000 is in this unactuated state, thestretch limiting insert 1540 is in an unstretched state. The axiallength of the stretch limiting insert 1540 when in the unstretched stateis represented by L_(us) in FIG. 51. L_(us) represents the distancebetween a reference axis A that corresponds to the proximal end of thebody portion 1541 of the stretch limiting insert 1540 and a referenceaxis B that corresponds to the distal end of the body portion 1541 asshown in FIG. 51. The axis labeled F corresponds to the location of thedistal end of the staple cartridge 1110 that has been properly seatedwithin the elongate channel 1102. It will be understood that when thetool assembly 1000 is in this unactuated state, the elastic spine member1520 is in a relaxed unstretched state.

FIG. 52 illustrates the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000after the closure drive system 510 has been activated as described aboveto drive the distal closure tube segment 1430 distally in the distaldirection DD. As the distal closure tube segment 1430 moves distally,the cam surface 1444 on the distal end 1441 of the upper wall portion1440 of the distal closure tube segment 1430 cammingly contacts the camsurface 1152 on the anvil mounting portion 1150 and pivots the anvil1130 to the closed position as shown. The closure drive system 510 movesthe distal closure tube segment 1430 through its entire closure strokedistance and then is deactivated and the distal closure tube segment isaxially locked or otherwise retained in that position by the closuredrive system 510. As the distal closure tube segment 1430 contacts theanvil mounting portion 1150, the closure forces generated by the distaladvancement of the distal closure tube segment 1430 on the anvil 1130will also axially advance the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102in the distal direction DD. The stretch feature 1530 in the elasticspine 1520 will begin to stretch to accommodate this distal advancementof the elongate channel 1102 and anvil 1130. Axis B as shown in FIG. 52is a reference axis for the stretch limiting insert 1540 when in arelaxed or unstretched state. Axis C corresponds to the end of thestretch limiting insert 1540 after the stretch limiting insert has beenstretched into its maximum elongated stated. The distance L_(s)represents the maximum amount or length that the stretch limiting insert1540 may elongate. Axis G corresponds to the location of the distal endof the surgical staple cartridge 1110 after the anvil 1130 has beenmoved to that “first” closed position. The distance L_(T) betweenreference axes F and G represents the axial distance that the elongatechannel 1102 and the anvil 1130 have traveled during actuation of theclosure drive system 510. This distance L_(T) may be equal to thedistance L_(S) that the stretch limiting insert 1540 was stretchedduring the closure process as limited by the stretch limiter 1550.

Returning to FIG. 51, it can be noted that there is a space S betweeneach mounting lug 1554 of the stretch limiter 1550 and the inner walls1551 of each of the lug cavities 1549 prior to commencement of theclosure process. As can be seen in FIG. 52 the spaces S are gone. Thatis, each of the mounting lugs 1554 abuts its corresponding cavity wall1549 in the stretch limiting insert 1540. Thus the stretch limiter 1550serves to limit the amount of elongation experienced by the stretchlimiting insert 1540 which in turn limits the amount of distal travel ofthe elongate channel 1102 and anvil 1130 relative to the proximal endportion 1524 of the elastic spine 1520. The distal closure tube 1430 isaxially locked in position by the closure drive system 510. When in thatposition, the anvil 1130 is retained in a ‘first” closed positionrelative to the surgical staple cartridge 1110. Because the firing drivesystem 530 has yet to be actuated, the firing member 1660 has not movedand remains parked in the firing member parking area 1154. The positionof the underside of the anvil 1130 when in the “first” closed positionis represented by axis K in FIGS. 52 and 53.

FIG. 53 illustrates the position of the firing member 1660 after thefiring drive system 530 has been initially actuated. As can be seen inthat Figure, the firing member 1660 has been distally advanced out ofthe firing member parking area 1154. The top portion of the firingmember 1660 and, more specifically, each of the top anvil engagementfeatures 1672 has entered the proximal ramp portion 1138 of thecorresponding axial passage 1146 in the anvil 1130. At this point in theprocess, the anvil 1130 may be under considerable bending stress causedby the tissue that is clamped between the underside of the anvil 1130and the deck of the staple cartridge 1110. This bending stress, as wellas the frictional resistance between the various portions of the firingmember and the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102, serve toessentially retain the elongate channel 1102 and the distal closure tubesegment in a static condition while the firing member 1660 is initiallydistally advanced. During this time period, the amount of force requiredto fire the firing member 1660 or, stated another way, the amount offorce required to distally push the firing member 1660 through thetissue that is clamped between the anvil 1130 and the cartridge 1110 isincreasing. See line 1480 in FIG. 55. Also during this time period, thestretch limiting insert is trying to retract the elongate channel 1102and anvil 1130 in the proximal direction PD into the distal closure tubesegment 1430. Once the amount of friction between the firing member 1660and the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 is less than the retractionforce generated by the stretch limiting insert 1540, the stretchlimiting insert 1540 will cause the elongate channel 1102 and anvil 1130to be drawn proximally further into the distal closure tube segment1430. The position of the distal end 1113 of the staple cartridge 1110after the elongate channel 1102 and anvil 1130 have traveled in theproximal direction PD is represented as position H in FIG. 54. The axialdistance that the elongate channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 traveled inthe proximal direction PD is represented as distance I in FIG. 54. Thisproximal movement of the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 intothe distal closure tube segment 1430 will result in the application ofadditional closure forces to the anvil 1130 by the distal closure tubesegment 1430. Line M in FIG. 54 represents the “second” closed positionof the anvil 1130. The distance between position K and position M whichis represented as distance N comprises the vertical distance that thedistal end 1133 of the anvil body 1132 traveled between the first closedposition and the second closed position.

The application of additional closure forces to the anvil 1130 by thedistal closure tube segment 1430 when the anvil 1130 is in the secondclosed position, resists the amount of flexure forces applied to theanvil 1130 by the tissue that is clamped between the anvil 1130 and thecartridge 1110. Such condition may lead to better alignment between thepassages in the anvil body 1130 and the firing member 1660 which mayultimately reduce the amount of frictional resistance that the firingmember 1660 experiences as it continues to advance distally through theend effector 1100. Thus, the amount of firing force required to advancethe firing member through the balance of its firing stroke to the endingposition may be reduced. This reduction of the firing force can be seenin the chart in FIG. 55. The chart depicted in FIG. 55 compares thefiring force (Energy) required to fire the firing member from thebeginning to the end of the firing process. Line 1480 represents theamount of firing force required to move the firing member 1660 from itsstarting to ending position when the end effector 1100 is clampingtissue therein. Line 1482, for example, represents the amount of firingforce required to move the firing member the interchangeable surgicaltool assembly 1000 described above. Line 1482 represents the firingforce required to move the firing member 174 from its starting to endingposition through tissue that is clamped in the end effector 110 or 110′.As can be seen from that chart, the firing forces required by both ofthe surgical tool assemblies 100, 1000 are substantially the same orvery similar until the point in time 1484 wherein the elastic spineassembly 1510 of the interchangeable tool assembly 1000 results in anapplication of a second amount of closure force to the anvil. As can beseen in the chart of FIG. 55, when the second amount of closure force isexperienced by the anvil 1130 (point 1484), the amount of closure forcerequired to complete the firing process is less than the amount ofclosure force required to complete the closing process in tool assembly100.

FIG. 56 compares the amount of firing load required to move a firingmember of various surgical end effectors from a starting position (0.0)to an ending position (1.0). The vertical axis represents the amount offiring load and the horizontal axis represents the percentage distancethat the firing member traveled between the starting position (0.0) andthe ending position (1.0). Line 1490 depicts the firing force requiredto fire, for example, the firing member of a surgical tool assembly 100or similar tool assembly. Line 1492 depicts the firing force required tofire the firing member of a surgical tool assembly that employs thevarious firing member improvements and configurations that may bedisclosed in, for example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,917,entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPINGBREADTHS, and the other above-mentioned U.S. Patent Applications thatwere filed on even date herewith and which have been incorporated byreference herein in their respective entirety. Line 1494 depicts thefiring force required to fire the firing member from its starting toending position of surgical tool assemblies that employ at least some ofthe features and arrangements disclosed herein for stiffening the anvil.Line 1496 depicts the firing force required to fire, for example,surgical tool assemblies that employ the elastic spine arrangement andat least some of the features and arrangements disclosed herein forstiffening the anvil. As can be seen in that Figure, the surgical toolassembly that employs the elastic spine arrangement and at least some ofthe anvil stiffening arrangements disclosed herein have a much lowerforce-to-fire requirement.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A surgical end effector comprising a first jaw that is configured tooperably support a surgical staple cartridge that operably supports acam assembly therein. The cam assembly is axially movable through thesurgical staple cartridge to eject surgical staples therefrom when thecam assembly is moved from an unfired position to a fired position. Afiring member is supported for axial movement within the surgical staplecartridge between a starting position that is proximal to the surgicalstaple cartridge and an ending position within the staple cartridge uponapplications of firing and retraction motions thereto. A lockout systemis supported within the surgical end effector and is biased laterallyinto lateral retaining engagement with the firing member when the firingmember is in the starting position to thereby retain the firing memberin the starting position. The lockout system is configured to belaterally biased out of lateral retaining engagement when contacted bythe cam assembly of a surgical staple cartridge that is seated withinthe first jaw and the cam assembly thereof is in the unfired position.

Example 2

The surgical end effector of Example 1, wherein the firing membercomprises a body portion that comprises lateral sides and wherein thelockout system comprises a lockout member that comprises at least onelaterally moving locking portion that is configured to laterallyretainingly engage a corresponding one of the lateral sides of the bodyportion when the firing member is in the starting position.

Example 3

The surgical end effector of Example 2, wherein the lockout membercomprises a spring that comprises two laterally moving locking portions.

Example 4

The surgical end effector of Example 3, wherein the firing membercomprises a first retaining feature that protrudes laterally from afirst one of the lateral sides of the body portion and a secondretaining feature that protrudes laterally from a second one of thelateral sides of the body portion and wherein the two laterally movinglocking portions comprise a first laterally moving locking arm that hasa first distal end that is configured to retainingly engage the firstretaining feature and a second laterally moving locking arm that has asecond distal end that is configured to retainingly engage the secondretaining feature.

Example 5

The surgical end effector of Example 4, wherein the first distal endincludes a first locking window that is configured to retaininglyreceive at least a portion of the first retaining feature therein andwherein the second distal end includes a second locking window that isconfigured to retainingly receive at least a portion of the secondlocking feature therein.

Example 6

The surgical end effector of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, furthercomprising a second jaw that is supported adjacent to the first jaw suchthat at least one of the first and second jaws is selectively movablerelative to the other of the first and second jaws upon application ofopening and closing motions to at least one of the first and secondjaws.

Example 7

The surgical end effector of Example 6, wherein the second jaw comprisesan anvil.

Example 8

The surgical end effector of Example 7, wherein the anvil comprises ananvil body that has an axial slot therein to permit a portion of thefiring member to axially pass therethrough. The anvil body furtherincludes an axial passage on each side of the axial slot.

Example 9

The surgical end effector of Example 8, wherein the firing membercomprises a foot that is configured to slidably pass within acorresponding passage within the first jaw and laterally extending anvilengagement features that extend laterally from a top portion of thefiring member body and are configured to pass through a correspondingone of the axial passages within the anvil body and wherein the firstand second engagement features are located between the foot and theanvil engagement features.

Example 10

A surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongate shaft that definesa shaft axis. An elongate channel is operably coupled to the elongateshaft. The stapling instrument further comprises a surgical staplecartridge that comprises a cartridge body that is configured to beremovably seated in the elongate channel. A cam assembly is supportedwithin the cartridge body and is axially movable therethrough between anunfired position to a fired position. The surgical stapling instrumentalso comprises a firing member that is supported for axial movementwithin the surgical staple cartridge between a starting position that isproximal to the surgical staple cartridge and an ending position withinthe surgical staple cartridge upon applications of firing and retractionmotions thereto. A lockout system is supported within the surgicalstapling instrument and is biased laterally into lateral retainingengagement with the firing member when the firing member is in thestarting position to thereby retain the firing member in the startingposition. The lockout system is configured to be laterally biased out oflateral retaining engagement when contacted by the cam assembly when thecam assembly is in the unfired position.

Example 11

The surgical stapling instrument of Example 10, wherein the firingmember comprises a firing member body that comprises two lateral sides.The firing member body includes a tissue cutting feature. The lockoutsystem comprises a lockout member that comprises at least one lockingportion that is movable in a lateral direction that is transverse to theshaft axis. At least one locking portion is configured to laterallyretainingly engage a corresponding on of the lateral sides of the firingmember body portion when the firing member is in the starting position.

Example 12

The surgical stapling instrument of Example 11, wherein the lockoutmember comprises a U-shaped spring that comprises a central springportion and wherein at least one locking portion comprises a firstmovable locking portion that extends from the central spring portion andcorresponds to one of the lateral sides of the firing member body. Asecond movable locking portion extends from the central spring portionand corresponds to the other lateral side of the firing member body.

Example 13

The surgical stapling instrument of Example 12, wherein the firingmember further comprises a first retaining feature that protrudeslaterally from a first one of the lateral sides of the firing memberbody portion. A second retaining feature protrudes laterally from asecond one of the lateral sides of the firing member body portion andwherein the first movable locking portion includes a first distal endthat is configured to retainingly engage the first retaining feature andwherein the second movable locking portion includes a second distal endthat is configured to retainingly engage the second retaining feature.

Example 14

The surgical stapling instrument of Example 13, wherein the first distalend includes a first locking window that is configured to retaininglyreceive at least a portion of the first retaining feature therein andwherein the second distal end includes a second locking window that isconfigured to retainingly receive at least a portion of the secondlocking feature therein.

Example 15

The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14,wherein the cam assembly comprises at least one unlocking feature thatis configured to laterally bias the lockout system out of lateralretaining engagement when the cam assembly is in the unfired position.

Example 16

The surgical stapling instrument of Example 13, wherein the cam assemblycomprises a first unlocking feature that is configured to laterally biasthe first distal end out of retaining engagement with the firstretaining feature when the cam assembly is in the unfired position. Asecond unlocking feature is configured to laterally bias the seconddistal end out of retaining engagement with the second retaining featurewhen the cam assembly is in the unfired position.

Example 17

A surgical end effector comprising a first jaw that is configured tooperably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. A firing member issupported for axial movement within the surgical staple cartridgebetween a starting position that is proximal to the surgical staplecartridge and an ending position within the staple cartridge uponapplications of firing and retraction motions thereto. The surgical endeffector further comprises means for retaining the firing member in thestarting position unless an unfired surgical staple cartridge that has acam assembly therein that is in an unfired position has been seatedwithin the first jaw such that the cam assembly laterally biases themeans for retaining out of retaining engagement with the firing memberto thereby permit the firing member to be axially advanced through thesurgical staple cartridge upon application of a firing motion to thefiring member.

Example 18

The surgical end effector of Example 17, wherein the surgical endeffector defines a central axis and wherein when the means for retainingis biased out of retaining engagement by the cam assembly, the means forretaining moves laterally relative to the firing member in at least onedirection that is laterally transverse to the central axis.

Example 19

The surgical end effector of Example 18, wherein the firing membercomprises two lateral sides and wherein the means for retaining engagesfeatures on both lateral sides of the firing member.

Example 20

The surgical end effector of Example 19, wherein the means for retainingcomprises first and second retaining portions that are biased intoengagement with a corresponding one of the lateral sides of the firingmember when the firing member is in the starting position and untilcontacted by the cam assembly so as to bias the first and secondretaining portions in opposite lateral directions out of retainingengagement with the firing member.

Example 21

An anvil for a surgical stapler. The anvil comprises an elongate anvilbody that comprises an upper body portion and a staple formingundersurface. The anvil further comprises an anvil mounting portion thatis adjacent to the elongate anvil body and is configured to movablysupport the anvil on a portion of the surgical stapler. An anvil cap isconfigured to be mechanically interlocked to the upper body portion ofthe elongate anvil body. At least one weld is provided between the anvilcap and the upper body portion of the elongate anvil body.

Example 22

The anvil of Example 21, wherein the upper body portion defines anopening through an upper surface thereof and the anvil cap ismechanically interlocked within the opening.

Example 23

The anvil of Example 22, further comprising a ledge that extends aroundat least a portion of the opening within the upper body portion andwherein the anvil cap is supported on the ledge.

Example 24

The anvil of Examples 21, 22 or 23, wherein the anvil cap includes aperimeter and wherein at least one weld extends around at least aportion of the perimeter.

Example 25

The anvil of Examples 21, 22, 23 or 24, wherein the anvil cap comprisesa proximal end and a distal end and two long sides extendingtherebetween and wherein at least one weld corresponds to at least aportion of each of the long sides.

Example 26

The anvil of Example 22, wherein the upper body portion forms an openingperimeter and wherein the upper body portion comprises a plurality ofretention formations formed in the opening perimeter and configured tofrictionally engage corresponding portions of the anvil cap when theanvil cap is positioned within the opening.

Example 27

The anvil of Example 26, wherein the corresponding portions of the anvilcap comprise engagement areas that are formed in a cap perimeter of theanvil cap and wherein each engagement area is shaped to frictionallyengage each corresponding retention formation.

Example 28

The anvil of Example 22, wherein the anvil cap comprises a proximal endand a distal end and two long sides extending therebetween and whereinthe upper body portion forms an opening perimeter and includes aplurality of retention formations that are formed in portions of theopening perimeter that correspond to at least portions of each of thelong sides of the anvil cap for frictional engagement therewith.

Example 29

The anvil of Example 22, wherein the anvil cap comprises a proximal endand a distal end and two long sides that extend therebetween and whereinthe upper body portion defines an opening perimeter and wherein theanvil further comprises at least one retention formation on each longside of the anvil cap and is configured to frictionally engagecorresponding portions of the opening perimeter for frictionalengagement therewith.

Example 30

The anvil of Examples 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28 or 29, wherein the anvilcap is interlocked to the upper body portion of the elongate anvil bodyby at least one tongue-in-groove joint configuration.

Example 31

The anvil of Examples 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30, whereinthe anvil cap comprises central cap body that comprises a cap bodyperimeter and wherein at least one weld comprises a first weld thatextends between at least a portion of the cap body perimeter andcorresponding portions of the upper body portion of the anvil body. Atleast one second discrete weld extends between the central cap body andthe upper body portion of the anvil body.

Example 32

The anvil of Example 31, wherein at least one second discrete weldcomprises a first plurality of spaced second discrete welds through thecentral cap body adjacent a long side thereof and a second plurality ofspaced second discrete welds through the central cap body adjacentanother long side thereof.

Example 33

The anvil of Example 32, wherein the spaced second discrete welds of thefirst plurality are spaced closer to each other adjacent a distal end ofthe central cap body and wherein the spaced second discrete welds of thesecond plurality are spaced closer to each other adjacent the distal endof the central cap body.

Example 34

The anvil of Example 32, wherein the spaced second discrete welds of thefirst plurality are spaced closer to each other adjacent a proximal endof the central cap body and wherein the spaced second discrete welds ofthe second plurality are spaced closer to each other adjacent theproximal end of the central cap body.

Example 35

The anvil of Example 32, wherein the spaced second discrete welds of thefirst plurality are spaced closer to each other adjacent a proximal endand a distal end of the central cap body and wherein the spaced seconddiscrete welds of the second plurality are spaced closer to each otheradjacent the proximal end and the distal end of the central cap body.

Example 36

An anvil for a surgical stapler. The anvil comprises an elongate anvilbody that comprises an upper body portion and a staple formingundersurface. An anvil mounting portion is provided adjacent to theelongate anvil body and is configured to movably support the anvil on aportion of the surgical stapler. The anvil further comprises an anvilcap that comprises a central anvil cap body and a cap perimeter thatextends therearound. A first weld is provided between at least a portionof the cap perimeter and the upper portion of the elongate anvil bodyportion. At least one second discrete weld extends between the centralcap body and the upper body portion of the anvil body.

Example 37

The anvil of Example 36, wherein the first weld extends intermittentlyaround at least a portion of the cap perimeter.

Example 38

The anvil of Examples 36 or 37, wherein the at least one second discreteweld comprises a first row of spaced, second discrete welds through thecentral cap body and a second row of spaced second discrete weldsthrough the central cap body.

Example 39

An anvil for a surgical stapler. The anvil comprises an elongate anvilbody that comprises an upper body portion and a staple formingundersurface. The elongate anvil body defines an opening that extendsthrough an upper surface thereof. The anvil further comprises an anvilmounting portion that is adjacent to the elongate anvil body and isconfigured to movably support the anvil on a portion of the surgicalstapler. An anvil cap is configured to be mechanically interlocked tothe upper body portion of the elongate anvil body so as to fill theopening. The anvil cap comprises a central cap body and a cap perimeterthat extends therearound. At least one first weld is provided between atleast a portion of the cap perimeter and the upper body portion of theelongate anvil body. At least one second discrete weld extends betweenthe central cap body and the upper body portion of the anvil body.

Example 40

The anvil of Example 39, wherein the anvil cap is mechanicallyinterlocked to the upper body portion of the elongate anvil body by atongue-in-groove joint arrangement between portions of the cap perimeterand the upper body portion of the elongate anvil body.

Example 41

A closure member for applying a closure motion to a movable jaw of asurgical instrument. The closure member comprises a closure body thatdefines an outer surface and an inner surface. The closure body furtherdefines an upper portion that comprises an upper wall thickness betweenthe outer and inner surfaces and a lower portion comprising a lower wallthickness between the outer and inner surfaces wherein the upper wallthickness differs from the lower wall thickness. A cam surface is formedon the upper portion for selective camming contact with a portion of themovable jaw.

Example 42

The closure member of Example 41, wherein the outer surface is a firstradial distance from a first center axis and wherein the inner surfaceis a second radial distance from a second center axis that is offsetfrom the first center axis.

Example 43

The closure member of Examples 41 or 42, wherein the upper wallthickness is greater than the lower wall thickness.

Example 44

The closure member of Examples 41, 42, or 43, further comprisingdiametrically opposed sidewall portions that extend between the upperportion and the lower portion and wherein the sidewall portions eachhave a sidewall thickness that differs from the upper wall thickness andthe lower wall thickness.

Example 45

The closure member of Example 44, wherein the sidewall thickness isgreater than the upper wall thickness and the lower wall thickness.

Example 46

The closure member of Examples 44, or 45, wherein the sidewall portiondefines an inner sidewall and wherein the inner sidewall of one sidewallportion is parallel to the inner sidewall of the other sidewall portion.

Example 47

The closure member of Example 43, wherein the upper wall thickness andthe lower wall thickness are each measured along a common vertical axisthat extends through a center axis of the closure body.

Example 48

The closure member of Examples 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 or 47, wherein themovable jaw is movable from an open position to a closed position whenthe closure body cammingly contacts the portion of the movable jaw whenthe closure body is moved in a first direction and wherein at least oneother portion of the closure member is configured to move the movablejaw from the closed position to the open position when the closure bodyis moved in a second direction.

Example 49

The closure member of Example 48, further comprising at least onepositive jaw opening feature that extends inwardly from the innersurface and is configured to contact another portion of the movable jawwhen the closure member is moved in the second direction to move themovable jaw to the open position.

Example 50

The closure member of Example 49, wherein each positive jaw openingfeature comprises at least two positive jaw opening features that arediametrically opposed to each other and protrude inwardly from the innersurface.

Example 51

The closure member of Example 50, wherein at least one of the positivejaw opening features extends from a mounting plate that is attached to acorresponding sidewall portion of the closure body that extends betweenthe upper and lower portions.

Example 52

A surgical instrument that comprises first and second jaws, wherein atleast one of the first and second jaws is movable relative to the otherof the first and second jaws between open and closed orientations uponapplications of closing and opening motions thereto. A closure bodydefines an outer surface and an inner surface as well as an upperportion that comprises an upper wall thickness between the outer andinner surfaces and a lower portion comprising a lower wall thicknessbetween the outer and inner surfaces wherein the upper wall thicknessdiffers from the lower wall thickness, and wherein the closure bodycomprises a cam surface that is formed on the upper portion forselective camming contact with a portion of one of the at least onefirst and second jaws that is movable.

Example 53

The surgical instrument of Example 52, wherein the outer surface islocated a first radial distance from a center axis of the closure bodyand wherein the inner surface is located a second radial distance fromthe center axis and wherein the first radial distance is greater thanthe second radial distance such that the upper wall thickness is greaterthan the lower wall thickness.

Example 54

The surgical instrument of Examples 52 or 53, further comprisingdiametrically opposed sidewall portions that extend between the upperportion and the lower portion and wherein the sidewall portions eachhave a sidewall thickness that differs from the upper wall thickness andthe lower wall thickness.

Example 55

The surgical instrument of Examples 52, 53 or 54, wherein the sidewallthickness is equal to the upper wall thickness and is greater than thelower wall thickness.

Example 56

The surgical instrument of Examples 52, 53, 54 or 55, wherein eachsidewall portion defines an inner sidewall surface and wherein the innersidewall surfaces are not parallel to each other.

Example 57

The surgical instrument of Examples 52, 53, 54, 55 or 56, wherein theupper wall thickness and the lower wall thickness are each measuredalong a common vertical axis extending through a center of the closurebody.

Example 58

The surgical instrument of Examples 52, 53, 54, 55, 55 or 57, wherein atleast one of the first and second jaws is movable from an open positionto a closed position upon camming contact by the closure body when theclosure body is moved in a first direction and wherein at least oneother portion of the closure member is configured to move at least oneof the first and second jaws from the closed position to the openposition when the closure body is moved in a second direction andwherein the closure member further comprises at least one positive jawopening feature extending inwardly from the inner surface and beingconfigured to contact another portion of at least one of the first andsecond jaws when the closure member is moved in a second direction.

Example 59

A closure member for applying a closure motion to a movable jaw of asurgical instrument. The closure member comprises a hollow closure bodythat defines an outer surface and an inner surface. The closure bodyfurther defines an upper portion that comprises an upper wall thicknessbetween the outer and inner surfaces and a lower portion that comprisesa lower wall thickness between the outer and inner surfaces wherein theupper and lower wall thicknesses are equal and wherein the inner andouter surfaces define sidewall portions that each have a sidewallthickness that is greater than the upper and lower wall thicknesses. Acam surface is formed on the upper portion for selective camming contactwith a portion of the movable jaw.

Example 60

The closure member of Example 59, wherein the inner surface defines arectangular shaped passage that extends through the closure body.

Example 61

A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprisesa first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to thefirst jaw for selective movement between open and closed positionsrelative to the first jaw. The surgical instrument further comprises ahollow closure member that is configured to axially move between anunactuated position and closure positions wherein the hollow closuremember applies closure motions to the movable second jaw. A closuresystem is configured to apply closure actuation motions to the hollowclosure member. A firing member is supported for axial travel between astarting position that is located completely within the hollow closuremember and an ending position within the surgical end effector. A firingsystem is configured to selectively apply a firing motion to the firingmember to cause the firing member to move from the starting position tothe ending position and wherein the closure system is actuatable withoutactuating the firing system.

Example 62

The surgical instrument of Example 61, wherein the second jaw comprisesa mounting portion that is pivotally fixed to the first jaw forselective pivotal travel relative thereto.

Example 63

The surgical instrument of Example 62, wherein the mounting portion onthe second jaw comprises a first cam surface and wherein the hollowclosure member comprises a second cam surface that is configured forcamming contact with the first cam surface.

Example 64

The surgical instrument of Example 63, wherein the hollow closure membercomprises a distal end and wherein the second cam surface comprises aninternal cam surface that is formed adjacent to the distal end.

Example 65

The surgical instrument of Examples 61, 62, 63 or 64, wherein the secondjaw comprises an anvil and wherein the first jaw comprises a channelthat is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridgetherein.

Example 66

The surgical instrument of Example 65, wherein the firing membercomprises a firing member body that has at least one channel engagingfeature and at least one anvil engaging feature thereon.

Example 67

The surgical instrument of Examples 63, 64, 65 or 66, wherein the anvilcomprises an elongate anvil body that protrudes from the mountingportion and wherein the elongate anvil body comprises an outer anvilsurface and wherein the first cam surface extends to the outer anvilsurface.

Example 68

The surgical instrument of Examples 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 or 67,wherein the hollow closure member is configured to apply opening motionsto the second jaw upon application of opening actuation motions to thehollow closure member by the closure system.

Example 69

The surgical instrument of Example 68, wherein the hollow closure memberfurther comprises at least one positive jaw opening feature thereon forselective contact with the second jaw when the opening actuation motionsare applied to the closure member.

Example 70

A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft that defines a shaftaxis. A channel is operably coupled to the elongate shaft and isconfigured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. Ananvil is movably coupled to the channel and is selectively movablebetween a fully open and a fully closed position relative to thechannel. A closure member is configured to axially move between anunactuated position and actuated positions wherein a distal end portionof the closure member cammingly contacts the anvil to apply closuremotions thereto. A closure system operably interfaces with the closuremember to selectively apply closure control motions thereto. A firingmember is supported for axial travel between a starting position whereinthe firing member is located completely proximal to the distal end ofthe closure member and an ending position. A firing system is configuredto selectively apply a firing motion to the firing member to cause thefiring member to move from the starting position to the ending positionand wherein the closure system is actuatable without actuating thefiring system.

Example 71

The surgical instrument of Example 70, wherein the anvil is attached tothe channel and is constrained to pivot relative thereto about an anvilaxis that is transverse to the shaft axis.

Example 72

The surgical instrument of Examples 70 or 71, wherein the anvilcomprises an anvil mounting portion that is pivotally coupled to thechannel and includes a first cam surface thereon and wherein the closuremember comprises a hollow closure tube that comprises a distal end witha second internal camming surface thereon that is configured for cammingcontact with the first cam surface.

Example 73

The surgical instrument of Examples 70, 71 or 72, wherein the firingmember comprises a firing member body that has at least one channelengaging feature and at least one anvil engaging feature thereon.

Example 74

The surgical instrument of Example 72, wherein the anvil comprises anelongate anvil body that protrudes from the mounting portion. Theelongate anvil body comprises an outer anvil surface and wherein thefirst cam surface extends to the outer anvil surface.

Example 75

The surgical instrument of Examples 70, 71, 72, 73 or 74, wherein theclosure member comprises a hollow closure tube and wherein the firingmember is completely located within the hollow closure tube when thefiring member is in the starting position.

Example 76

The surgical instrument of Examples 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 or 75, whereinthe closure member further comprises at least one positive jaw openingfeature formed thereon for selective contact with the anvil when openingactuation motions are applied to the closure member.

Example 77

A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprisesa first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to thefirst jaw for selective movement between open and closed positionsrelative to the first jaw upon applications of closure motions to a camsurface thereon. The surgical instrument further comprises an axiallymovable closure member that comprises a closure cam surface thereon thatis configured to apply the closure motions to the cam surface on thesecond jaw. A firing member is supported for axial travel between astarting position wherein a tissue cutting surface thereon is locatedproximal to the closure cam surface on the closure member. The closuremember and the firing member are selectively independently actuatablerelative to each other.

Example 78

The surgical instrument of Example 77, wherein the second jaw comprisesa mounting portion that is pivotally coupled to the first jaw and themounting portion includes the cam surface thereon.

Example 79

The surgical instrument of Examples 77 or 78, wherein the axiallymovable closure member and the mounting portion defines a firing memberparking area therebetween wherein at least a portion of the firingmember is supported when the firing member is in the starting position.

Example 80

The surgical instrument of Examples 77, 78 or 79, wherein the first jawcomprises a channel and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil. Thefiring member comprises a firing member body that has at least onechannel engaging feature and at least one anvil engaging featurethereon.

Example 81

A surgical instrument comprising an elastic spine assembly thatcomprises a proximal spine portion and a distal spine portion that iselastically coupled to the proximal spine portion for axial movementrelative thereto between a neutral position and an elongated position. Afirst jaw is attached to the distal spine portion and a second jaw ismovably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movementbetween open and closed positions relative to the first jaw. A closuresystem is configured to apply a closure motion to the second jaw and tomove the distal spine portion from the neutral position to the elongatedposition upon actuation thereof. A firing system is configured toaxially advance a firing member from a starting to an ending positionwithin the first jaw upon actuation thereof and to enable the distalspine portion to return to the neutral position to thereby increase theclosure motion applied to the second jaw.

Example 82

The surgical instrument of Example 81, wherein the closure systemcomprises a closure member that is configured for axial travel relativeto the distal spine portion from an unactuated position corresponding tothe neutral position of the distal spine portion to a first closedposition wherein the distal spine portion is moved to the elongatedposition and the second jaw is moved to a first one of the closedpositions.

Example 83

The surgical instrument of Examples 81 or 82, wherein the closure memberis hollow and is configured to receive therein a mounting portion of thesecond jaw.

Example 84

The surgical instrument of Example 83, wherein the mounting portion hasa first cam surface thereon and wherein the hollow closure member has asecond cam surface thereon that is configured for camming contact withthe first cam surface upon actuation of the closure system to move thesecond jaw from the open position to the first closed position.

Example 85

The surgical instrument of Example 84, wherein movement of the distalspine portion from the elongated position to the neutral positionincreases the camming contact between the first and second cam surfaces.

Example 86

The surgical instrument of Examples 81, 82, 83, 84 or 85, wherein thedistal spine portion is interconnected to the proximal spine portion bya stretchable central spine portion.

Example 87

The surgical instrument of Example 86, wherein the elastic spineassembly further comprises means for restricting the stretchable centralspine portion to a predetermined amount of stretch.

Example 88

The surgical instrument of Example 87, wherein the means for restrictingcomprises a stretchable body member that is sized to span between thedistal spine portion and the proximal spine portion and means forlimiting the stretchable body to a predetermined amount of elongation.

Example 89

The surgical instrument of Example 88, wherein the stretchable bodymember includes a first modulus of elasticity and wherein the means forlimiting comprises at least one stretch limiter member that is supportedby the stretchable body and includes a second modulus of elasticity thatis less than the first modulus of elasticity.

Example 90

A surgical instrument comprising an elastic spine assembly that isconfigured to elongate between a first neutral position and a secondelongated position. A first jaw is attached to the elastic spineassembly. A second jaw is movably supported relative to the first jawfor selective movement between open and closed positions relative to thefirst jaw. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure systemthat comprises a closure member that is configured to apply a firstamount of closure force to the second jaw to move the second jaw fromthe open position to a first closed position and elongate the elasticspine assembly to the second elongated position. A firing member issupported for axial travel between a starting position and an endingposition within the first jaw. A firing system operably interfaces withthe firing member to selectively advance the firing member from thestarting position to the ending position such that movement of thefiring member from the starting to ending position causes the elasticspine to move toward the first neutral position which causes the closuremember to apply a second amount of closure force to the second jaw andthereby moves the second jaw to a second closed position.

Example 91

The surgical instrument of Example 90, wherein the second jaw comprisesa mounting portion that is pivotally pinned to the first jaw for pivotaltravel between the open and closed positions.

Example 92

The surgical instrument of Example 91, wherein the mounting portion hasa first cam surface thereon and wherein the closure member has a secondcam surface thereon that is configured for camming contact with thefirst cam surface upon actuation of the closure system to move thesecond jaw from the open position to the first closed position.

Example 93

The surgical instrument of Examples 89, 90 or 91, wherein movement ofelastic spine assembly from the second elongated position to the firstneutral position increases the camming contact between the first andsecond cam surfaces.

Example 94

A surgical instrument comprising an elastic spine assembly thatcomprises a proximal spine portion and a distal spine portion that iselastically coupled to the proximal spine portion for axial movementrelative thereto between a neutral position and an elongated position.An elongate channel is configured to operably support a surgical staplecartridge therein. The elongate channel is attached to the distal spineportion. An anvil is pivotally coupled to the elongate channel forselective pivotal travel about a fixed pivot axis between open andclosed positions relative to the elongate channel. A closure system isconfigured to apply closure motions to the anvil and move the distalspine portion from the neutral position to the elongated position. Afiring system is configure to axially advance a firing member from astarting position to an ending position within the elongate channel uponactuation thereof and thereby enable the distal spine portion to returnto the neutral position to thereby increase the closure motions appliedto the anvil.

Example 95

The surgical instrument of Example 94, wherein the distal spine portionis interconnected to the proximal spine portion by a stretchable centralspine portion.

Example 96

The surgical instrument of Examples 94 or 95, wherein the elastic spineassembly further comprises a stretch limiting insert that comprises abody member that is sized to span between the distal spine portion andthe proximal spine portion and means for limiting the body to apredetermined amount of elongation.

Example 97

The surgical instrument of Example 96, wherein the body member isfabricated from an elastomeric material and wherein the means forlimiting is fabricated from metal.

Example 98

The surgical instrument of Example 97, wherein the body member comprisesa first mounting lug formed therein that is configured for mountingengagement with the proximal spine portion and a second mounting lugformed therein that is configured for mounting engagement with thedistal spine portion and wherein the means for limiting comprises atleast one stretch limiter that comprises an elongate body that spansbetween the first and second mounting lugs and includes first and secondmounting ends wherein the first end is movably received within a cavityin the first mounting lug and wherein the second end is movably receivedin a second cavity in the second mounting lug.

Example 99

The surgical instrument of Examples 94, 95, 96, 97 or 98, wherein amounting portion of the anvil is pivotally pinned to the elongatechannel and includes a first cam surface thereon and wherein the closuresystem comprises a closure member that includes a second cam surfacethereon that is configured for camming contact with the first camsurface upon actuation of the closure system to move the second jaw fromthe open position to the first closed position.

Example 100

The surgical instrument of Examples 94, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99, whereinmovement of the distal spine portion from the elongated position to theneutral position increases camming contact between the first and secondcam surfaces.

Example 101

A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprisesa first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to thefirst jaw for selective pivotal travel relative to the first jaw about afixed pivot axis between an open position and closed positions. A firingmember is movably supported for selective axial travel within at leastone of the first and second jaws between a starting position and anending position. The firing member comprises a body portion and a firstflange assembly that protrudes from the body portion and is configuredto slidably engage the first jaw. A second flange assembly protrudesfrom the body portion and is configured to slidably engage the secondjaw. The surgical instrument also comprises an elongate shaft assemblythat is operably coupled to the surgical end effector. The elongateshaft assembly comprises a firing system that operably interfaces withthe firing member to selectively axially move the firing member betweenthe starting and ending position. A closure system operably interfaceswith the second jaw to move the second jaw between the open and closedpositions without actuating the firing system and firing member.

Example 102

The surgical instrument of Example 101, wherein the elongate shaftassembly defines a shaft axis and wherein the fixed pivot axis istransverse to the shaft axis.

Example 103

The surgical instrument of Examples 101 or 102, wherein the closuresystem is configured to cammingly engage the second jaw when the closuresystem is applying closure motions thereto.

Example 104

The surgical instrument of Example 103, wherein the second jaw comprisesa first cam surface thereon and wherein the closure system comprises anaxially movable closure member that is supported for selective axialtravel relative to the second jaw. The closure member comprises a secondcam surface that is configured for camming engagement with the first camsurface.

Example 105

The surgical instrument of Example 102, wherein the second jaw comprisesa mounting portion that is pivotally coupled to the first jaw about thepivot axis. The mounting portion includes the first cam surface thereon.

Example 106

The surgical instrument of Examples 101, 102, 103, 104 or 105, whereinthe axially movable closure member and the mounting portion defines afiring member parking area therebetween wherein at least a portion ofthe firing member is supported when the firing member is in the startingposition.

Example 107

The surgical instrument of Example 104, wherein the closure membercomprises a closure body that defines an outer surface and an innersurface. The closure body further defines an upper portion thatcomprises an upper wall thickness between the outer and inner surfacesand a lower portion that comprises a lower wall thickness between theouter and inner surfaces wherein the upper wall thickness differs fromthe lower wall thickness and wherein the second cam surface is formed onthe upper portion for selective camming contact with the first camsurface.

Example 108

The surgical instrument of Example 107, wherein the outer surface is afirst radial distance from a first center axis and wherein the innersurface is a second radial distance from a second center axis that isoffset from the first center axis.

Example 109

The surgical instrument of Example 107, wherein the upper wall thicknessis greater than the lower wall thickness.

Example 110

The surgical instrument of Example 107, wherein the closure memberfurther comprises diametrically opposed sidewall portions that extendbetween the upper portion and the lower portion and wherein the sidewallportions each have a sidewall thickness that differs from the upper wallthickness and the lower wall thickness.

Example 111

The surgical instrument of Example 110, wherein the sidewall thicknessis greater than the upper wall thickness and the lower wall thickness.

Example 112

The surgical instrument of Example 110, wherein each sidewall portiondefines an inner sidewall and wherein the inner sidewall of one of thesidewall portions is parallel to the inner sidewall of the othersidewall portion.

Example 113

The surgical instrument of Examples 104, 106 or 107, wherein the closuremember is hollow and is configured to receive therein a mounting portionof the second jaw.

Example 114

The surgical instrument of Examples 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107,108, 109, 110, 111, 112 or 113, wherein the first jaw comprises achannel and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 115

The surgical instrument of Examples 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107,108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113 or 114, wherein the firing member furthercomprises a tissue cutting surface on the body portion.

Example 116

A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprisesa first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to thefirst jaw for selective pivotal travel relative to the first jaw about afixed pivot axis between an open position and closed positions. A firingmember is movably supported for selective axial travel within at leastone of the first and second jaws between a starting position and anending position. The firing member comprises a body portion and a firstflange assembly that protrudes from the body portion and is configuredto slidably engage the first jaw. A second flange assembly protrudesfrom the body portion and is configured to slidably engage the secondjaw. An elongate shaft assembly is operably coupled to the surgical endeffector and comprises a firing means for selectively axially moving thefiring member between the starting and ending position and a closuremeans for moving the second jaw between the open and closed positionswithout actuating the firing means.

Example 117

The surgical instrument of Example 116, wherein the elongate shaftassembly defines a shaft axis and wherein the fixed pivot axis istransverse to the shaft axis.

Example 118

The surgical instrument of Examples 116 or 117, wherein the first jawcomprises a channel and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 119

A surgical instrument comprising an elongate channel that is configuredto operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. An anvil ismovably supported relative to the elongate channel for selective pivotaltravel relative thereto about a fixed pivot axis between an openposition and closed positions. A firing member is movably supported forselective axial travel within the elongate channel between a startingposition and an ending position. The firing member comprises a bodyportion and a first flange assembly that protrudes therefrom and isconfigured to slidably engage the elongate channel. A second flangeassembly protrudes from the body portion and is configured to slidablyengage the anvil. An elongate firing bar is coupled to the body portionand is configured for axial travel relative to the elongate channel inresponse to firing motions applied thereto by a source of firingmotions. A closure member is supported for selective axial travelrelative to the anvil for moving the anvil between the open position andclosed position in response to closure motions applied thereto by asource of closure motions such that the anvil is movable between openand closed positions without moving the firing member.

Example 120

The surgical instrument of Example 119, wherein the firing memberfurther comprises a tissue cutting surface on the body portion.

Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are motivatedby an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems describedherein can be motivated in any suitable manner. In various instances,the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated by amanually-operated trigger, for example. In certain instances, the motorsdisclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a roboticallycontrolled system. Moreover, any of the end effectors and/or toolassemblies disclosed herein can be utilized with a robotic surgicalinstrument system. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitledSURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENTARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, for example, disclosesseveral examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in greaterdetail.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described inconnection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, theembodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments areenvisioned which deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps ortacks, for example. Moreover, various embodiments are envisioned whichutilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For instance, an endeffector in accordance with various embodiments can comprise electrodesconfigured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an endeffector in accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrationalenergy to seal the tissue.

The entire disclosures of:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE,which issued on Apr. 4, 1995;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVINGSEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on Feb. 21,2006;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING ANDFASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which issued onSep. 9, 2008;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENTWITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS, which issued on Dec.16, 2008;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING ANARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, whichissued on Jul. 13, 2010;

U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLEFASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES; now U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,537;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL CUTTINGAND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed Feb. 14, 2008;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END EFFECTORS FORA SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 15, 2008, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782, entitled MOTOR-DRIVENSURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,411;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED SURGICALCUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM,now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled MOTOR-DRIVENSURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROLASSEMBLY, filed Dec. 24, 2009; now U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,688;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE,filed Sep. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,613;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,072,535;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, filed on Jun. 15, 2012;now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGETISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,345,481;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGETISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263552;

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled SURGICALCUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM,filed Jan. 31, 2006; and

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled SURGICALSTAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR, filed Apr. 22,2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

Although various devices have been described herein in connection withcertain embodiments, modifications and variations to those embodimentsmay be implemented. Particular features, structures, or characteristicsmay be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus,the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated ordescribed in connection with one embodiment may be combined in whole orin part, with the features, structures or characteristics of one oremore other embodiments without limitation. Also, where materials aredisclosed for certain components, other materials may be used.Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component may bereplaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replacedby a single component, to perform a given function or functions. Theforegoing description and following claims are intended to cover allsuch modification and variations.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after asingle use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In eithercase, however, a device can be reconditioned for reuse after at leastone use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the stepsincluding, but not limited to, the disassembly of the device, followedby cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, andsubsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioningfacility and/or surgical team can disassemble a device and, aftercleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device canbe reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety oftechniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use ofsuch techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all withinthe scope of the present application.

The devices disclosed herein may be processed before surgery. First, anew or used instrument may be obtained and, when necessary, cleaned. Theinstrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, theinstrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plasticor TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a fieldof radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation,x-rays, and/or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria onthe instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may thenbe stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep theinstrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A devicemay also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art,including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethyleneoxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, thepresent invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope ofthe disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover anyvariations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or inpart, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein isincorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materialsdo not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or otherdisclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to theextent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth hereinsupersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated byreference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions,statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only beincorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between thatincorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical end effector, comprising: a first jawconfigured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge, the surgicalstaple cartridge operably supporting a cam assembly therein, the camassembly being axially movable through the surgical staple cartridge toeject surgical staples therefrom when the cam assembly is moved from anunfired position to a fired position; a firing member comprising acutting edge configured to cut tissue during a firing stroke, whereinsaid cutting edge defines a tissue-cutting plane, and wherein saidfiring member is supported for axial movement along said tissue-cuttingplane within the surgical staple cartridge between a starting positionproximal to the surgical staple cartridge and an ending position withinthe staple cartridge upon applications of firing and retraction motionsthereto; and a lockout system supported within said surgical endeffector, said lockout system biased laterally toward saidtissue-cutting plane into lateral retaining engagement with said firingmember when said firing member is in said starting position to therebyretain said firing member in said starting position, said lockout systemconfigured to be laterally biased away from said tissue-cutting planeout of said lateral retaining engagement when contacted by the camassembly of the surgical staple cartridge that is seated within saidfirst jaw and the cam assembly is in the unfired position, wherein saidlockout system comprises a spring comprising two laterally movinglocking portions, wherein said firing member comprises two lateral sidesfacing laterally outward with respect to said tissue-cutting plane, andwherein each said laterally moving locking portion is configured to bebent away from a said lateral side of said firing member in a lateraldirection.
 2. A surgical stapling instrument, comprising: an elongateshaft defining a shaft axis; an elongate channel operably coupled tosaid elongate shaft; a surgical staple cartridge comprising: a cartridgebody configured to be removably seated in said elongate channel; and acam assembly supported within said cartridge body and being axiallymovable therethrough between an unfired position to a fired position andwherein said surgical stapling instrument further comprises: a firingmember comprising a knife edge configured to cut tissue during a firingstroke, wherein said knife edge defines a tissue-cutting plane, andwherein said firing member is supported for axial movement along saidtissue-cutting plane within said surgical staple cartridge between astarting position proximal to said surgical staple cartridge and anending position within said surgical staple cartridge upon applicationsof firing and retraction motions thereto; and a lockout system supportedwithin said surgical instrument, said lockout system biased laterallytoward said tissue-cutting plane into lateral retaining engagement withsaid firing member when said firing member is in said starting positionto thereby retain said firing member in said starting position, saidlockout system configured to be laterally biased away from saidtissue-cutting plane out of said lateral retaining engagement whencontacted by said cam assembly when said cam assembly is in said unfiredposition, wherein said lockout system comprises a spring comprising twolaterally moving locking portions, wherein said firing member comprisestwo lateral sides facing laterally outward with respect to saidtissue-cutting plane, and wherein each said laterally moving lockingportion is configured to be bent away from a said lateral side of saidfiring member in a lateral direction.
 3. A surgical end effector,comprising: a first jaw that is configured to operably support asurgical staple cartridge therein; a firing member comprising a cuttingedge configured to cut tissue during a firing stroke, wherein saidcutting edge defines a tissue-cutting plane, and wherein said firingmember is supported for axial movement along said tissue-cutting planewithin the surgical staple cartridge between a starting position that isproximal to the surgical staple cartridge and an ending position withinthe staple cartridge upon applications of firing and retraction motionsthereto; and means for retaining said firing member in said startingposition unless an unfired surgical staple cartridge that has a camassembly therein that is in an unfired position has been seated withinsaid first jaw such that the cam assembly laterally biases said meansfor retaining away from said tissue-cutting plane out of retainingengagement with said firing member to thereby permit said firing memberto be axially advanced through the surgical staple cartridge uponapplication of a firing motion to said firing member, wherein said meansfor retaining comprises a spring comprising two laterally moving lockingportions, wherein said firing member comprises two lateral sides facinglaterally outward with respect to said tissue-cutting plane, and whereineach said laterally moving locking portion is configured to be bent awayfrom a said lateral side of said firing member in a lateral direction.4. A surgical instrument assembly, comprising: a firing membercomprising a cutting edge, wherein said firing member is configured tobe actuated through a firing stroke, wherein said firing member isconfigured to move through a tissue-cutting plane defined by saidcutting edge; a first jaw; a second jaw movable relative to said firstjaw; a staple cartridge configured to be installed into one of saidfirst jaw or said second jaw, wherein said staple cartridge comprises: acamming member actuatable by said firing member between an unfiredposition and a fired position; and a plurality of staples configured tobe ejected from said staple cartridge by said camming member; and alockout movable between: a locked configuration where said lockout isengaged with said firing member to prevent movement of said firingmember, wherein said lockout is biased laterally toward saidtissue-cutting plane and said locked configuration; and an unlockedconfiguration where said lockout is disengaged from said firing memberto permit movement of said firing member, wherein said camming member isconfigured to move said lockout laterally away from said tissue-cuttingplane when said staple cartridge is installed into said one of saidfirst jaw or said second jaw and said camming member is in said unfiredposition, wherein said lockout comprises a spring comprising twolaterally moving locking portions, wherein said firing member comprisestwo lateral sides facing laterally outward with respect to saidtissue-cutting plane, and wherein each said laterally moving lockingportion is configured to be bent away from a said lateral side of saidfiring member in a lateral direction.